First Dabble into Shedding | MK1 Skoda Octavia TDI
Discussion
Demelitia said:
I’d see if you can find a local indie garage with a half decent reputation that has pressure testing gear. The only concern being that if the garage you’ve used for the belt did indeed find radweld that it might spring another leak somewhere, or make existing leaks worse if they overdo it.
Have you tried using talc or similar as a tracing medium? Sprinkle it on likely sources and go for a quick run to see if any of it has been wet by a leak.
If the heater matrix is leaking you can usually smell it and your windscreen would probably be steaming up instead of clearing when airflow was directed there.
I’m going to take it to my mums cousin who is a mechanic. I never asked him to do belt as he stays away from bigger jobs now and stays on the smaller easier ones. Have you tried using talc or similar as a tracing medium? Sprinkle it on likely sources and go for a quick run to see if any of it has been wet by a leak.
If the heater matrix is leaking you can usually smell it and your windscreen would probably be steaming up instead of clearing when airflow was directed there.
Not tried everything like that yet, i was hoping he had filled it too much or the coolant was weak it’s boiling too easy or something.
Heater matrix all seems okay tbh.
Ok so a bit of an update...
Had a good chat with my mums cousin today, he advised from what I have described the system still has air in it somewhere. He had similar on a Passat, same engine a few years ago and took weeks to get rid of the excess air. I also mentioned it to the other garage about the traces of coolant over the engine and he advised he did spill a bit as he was pouring out of a 20L drum (think I believe that) and that's where the specs could be from.
Took car out earlier and then let it get upto 90 on the drive, no signs of any leak anywhere and the levels remained the same throughout. When I took off the cap this morning, the level did rise a little bit which indicates there is air somewhere in the system and when running again, it did drop back down. I'm just going to bear with it for the next couple of weeks, will try and bleed the system - give the pipes a squeeze and ensure everything is getting warm and see where my coolant lies then. Since Friday when it was refilled I don't think I have lost coolant, so that is good sign I guess.
Will keep this updated, but the coolant is nice and pink still so no issues as far as I'm aware with oil cooler or HG.
Had a good chat with my mums cousin today, he advised from what I have described the system still has air in it somewhere. He had similar on a Passat, same engine a few years ago and took weeks to get rid of the excess air. I also mentioned it to the other garage about the traces of coolant over the engine and he advised he did spill a bit as he was pouring out of a 20L drum (think I believe that) and that's where the specs could be from.
Took car out earlier and then let it get upto 90 on the drive, no signs of any leak anywhere and the levels remained the same throughout. When I took off the cap this morning, the level did rise a little bit which indicates there is air somewhere in the system and when running again, it did drop back down. I'm just going to bear with it for the next couple of weeks, will try and bleed the system - give the pipes a squeeze and ensure everything is getting warm and see where my coolant lies then. Since Friday when it was refilled I don't think I have lost coolant, so that is good sign I guess.
Will keep this updated, but the coolant is nice and pink still so no issues as far as I'm aware with oil cooler or HG.
Car has been parked up since Monday evening, checked and no drop in coolant since then - so that's a start.
Replaced this beauty today (this the old one, nearly 18 years old I think as part number ends in A). New one is E so had a few replacements since.
Took car for a 5 mile drive, working the gears and turbo - kept boost nicely. Will take it out for a run properly later, but it seems OK so far but not holding my breath as I'm fully aware the vanes clog up on these.
Replaced this beauty today (this the old one, nearly 18 years old I think as part number ends in A). New one is E so had a few replacements since.
Took car for a 5 mile drive, working the gears and turbo - kept boost nicely. Will take it out for a run properly later, but it seems OK so far but not holding my breath as I'm fully aware the vanes clog up on these.
So changing the boost sensor on my Octavia 1.9 TDI helped a little but still getting turbo issues which must be the vanes sticking. So I put a bottle of that in, 40L of diesel and took it for 30 mile run. First 10 miles turbo cut out twice, but once it clearly got through it’s made the car a different car to drive. It pulls right through to 4,500rpm in 2nd, 3rd and 4th - keeps the boost Nicely but just pulls so much better with no lag.
I must admit I was a bit sceptical on this working but reviews seemed good - I just couldn’t understand how it wouldn’t combust before it had chance to reach the turbo. I’m not expecting it to last forever, but maybe one of these a month will keep car running better for now until I can be bothered to faff around with mr muscle during the nice warmer summer months.
Edit - pic wasn’t that way on my iPad !!
NGRhodes said:
Maybe it causes the exhaust gas temperature to rise, burning off the crud ?
The SDS suggests main component is something like White spirit..
Might have to try some of that juice in mine as a preventative.
I guess so yes, definitely works eventually. Might take car to work now tomorrow in Manchester, good run over the M62 will be good I’m sure. The SDS suggests main component is something like White spirit..
Might have to try some of that juice in mine as a preventative.
So much more responsive this morning.
Where I live is a decent climb up to get to the main road, every morning car felt sluggish but today was different and then on M62 - as you hit bottom of hill at Jct25 to climb to ainley top it pulled from 60 in 5th all way to 90 with no issues and still wanted to go.
Highly recommended so far this stuff
Where I live is a decent climb up to get to the main road, every morning car felt sluggish but today was different and then on M62 - as you hit bottom of hill at Jct25 to climb to ainley top it pulled from 60 in 5th all way to 90 with no issues and still wanted to go.
Highly recommended so far this stuff
Just a little update on shed life so far...
Just ticked over 172,500 miles tonight on the way home.
Coolant Issues
I think are now over. It seems to be maintaining the same level now when I check every few days and it's been 4 weeks on Friday since it was looked at without needing to top it up so I'd like to hope we are now at the end of those issues.
Turbo
initially the cleaner worked, I have done about 550 miles since and so far so good with 2 cut outs since (it was daily before). I am starting to think there is a boost leak maybe as it does sound a bit hissy when warm and defo a bit louder so will do some investigation.
Other Issues
Over the last few hundred miles, I am getting vibration when braking at 70mph (quite bad I'd say). When braking at slower speeds I feel like the car is gripping hold of brakes, letting go and braking again. Initial thought was sticky caliper, but keep getting the odd rumble so I'm thinking a wheel bearing issue which cause the vibrations. I shall be investigating.
Current Costs
Start Miles - 168,033
Current Miles - 172,544
Cost per mile - 0.28p
Fuel Wise - It's costing 12p per mile currently. Averaged 46.63 over that time but that is increasing now.
Cost of repairs;
Replacement Wipers - £15.48
Brake light switch - £9.34
Service - £427.24 (Oil, Filter, Pollen + Tracking, 2 new tyres and shock absorber)
MOT Test - £50.00
AIr Filter - £8.86
Timing Belt & Water Pump - £250.00
Thermostat - £20.00
Turbo Sensor - £35.00
Turbo Cleaner - £9.99
Just ticked over 172,500 miles tonight on the way home.
Coolant Issues
I think are now over. It seems to be maintaining the same level now when I check every few days and it's been 4 weeks on Friday since it was looked at without needing to top it up so I'd like to hope we are now at the end of those issues.
Turbo
initially the cleaner worked, I have done about 550 miles since and so far so good with 2 cut outs since (it was daily before). I am starting to think there is a boost leak maybe as it does sound a bit hissy when warm and defo a bit louder so will do some investigation.
Other Issues
Over the last few hundred miles, I am getting vibration when braking at 70mph (quite bad I'd say). When braking at slower speeds I feel like the car is gripping hold of brakes, letting go and braking again. Initial thought was sticky caliper, but keep getting the odd rumble so I'm thinking a wheel bearing issue which cause the vibrations. I shall be investigating.
Current Costs
Start Miles - 168,033
Current Miles - 172,544
Cost per mile - 0.28p
Fuel Wise - It's costing 12p per mile currently. Averaged 46.63 over that time but that is increasing now.
Cost of repairs;
Replacement Wipers - £15.48
Brake light switch - £9.34
Service - £427.24 (Oil, Filter, Pollen + Tracking, 2 new tyres and shock absorber)
MOT Test - £50.00
AIr Filter - £8.86
Timing Belt & Water Pump - £250.00
Thermostat - £20.00
Turbo Sensor - £35.00
Turbo Cleaner - £9.99
Edited by LukeyP_ on Wednesday 11th March 21:14
Thank you both.
Yes - running costs wise I'm quite happy. My aim is to get to 180k before next service without any other costs, fingers crossed.
GPM - Thanks for that, my jack given up though - jacked car up last week, it was pissing oil everywhere so need a new one but I'll give that a go.
On the coolant issue, I went to check other day and the level has remained, however I did find some small black deposits. No signs on HG issues as this was tested recently and I suspected maybe a cracked oil cooler/bad seal. I did 15 miles in the car the other day - food, dropping off at my Grandma's and they've most disappeared so wondering if it crap from somewhere.
Yes - running costs wise I'm quite happy. My aim is to get to 180k before next service without any other costs, fingers crossed.
GPM - Thanks for that, my jack given up though - jacked car up last week, it was pissing oil everywhere so need a new one but I'll give that a go.
On the coolant issue, I went to check other day and the level has remained, however I did find some small black deposits. No signs on HG issues as this was tested recently and I suspected maybe a cracked oil cooler/bad seal. I did 15 miles in the car the other day - food, dropping off at my Grandma's and they've most disappeared so wondering if it crap from somewhere.
Well, the Octavia is now un-insured as of today as I'm due to take delivery of a 2008 MK6.5 Fiesta ST in Black. It's been lowered, sporty exhaust on it so let's see if it's a mid-life crisis or not!
I have a couple of guys on my street with nice cars, nice exhausts and I felt I was missing out, as I sold my last hot hatch back in 2007 when we had my first daughter so think it's an itch I need to scratch again.
I'll run this until end of June, ensure it's as good as it seems condition wise and if all good - I'll keep it, but if not and I find myself a bit bored - I'll move it on and revert back to the Octavia
Picture from guy who collected it for me, should be arriving in half hour.
I have a couple of guys on my street with nice cars, nice exhausts and I felt I was missing out, as I sold my last hot hatch back in 2007 when we had my first daughter so think it's an itch I need to scratch again.
I'll run this until end of June, ensure it's as good as it seems condition wise and if all good - I'll keep it, but if not and I find myself a bit bored - I'll move it on and revert back to the Octavia
Picture from guy who collected it for me, should be arriving in half hour.
Joey Deacon said:
I did the same thing, thought I was bored of my utterly reliable Megane DCi I had owned for 2 years and started looking for something petrol and faster. I ended up with a Honda Civic 2 litre Type S and quickly realised what a mistake I had made.
The hard suspension and absolute lack or torque compared to a diesel soon got annoying. Add in the fact that the fuel light came on after 350 miles (I can get 700 out of the Megane) and £265 a year road tax compared to £30 for the Megane.
I swapped back after 2 months
Yeah, I know what you mean - although the ST feels fairly powerful (I think it’s had work done), the crashy suspension isn’t as cool as I thought. Did you keep the Megane whilst you had the Honda?The hard suspension and absolute lack or torque compared to a diesel soon got annoying. Add in the fact that the fuel light came on after 350 miles (I can get 700 out of the Megane) and £265 a year road tax compared to £30 for the Megane.
I swapped back after 2 months
Think I’ll keep the ST for a month at least, see what it’s like before making any rash decisions.
jase_llan said:
Good choice, I have one myself - a few common issues (PCV hose behind the inlet being the main one) but nothing scary and reasonably economical for a 2.0 petrol! I see you mentioned crashiness, Bilstein B8 dampers will solve this if you're willing to part with some cash or otherwise putting 16 inch wheels with a 45 profile should help; personally I have 205/40/17s still with Eibach lowering springs, it's smoother than standard on good roads but even crashier on bad ones!
Give me a shout if you run into any issues/have any questions, and maybe get yourself on FiestaSTOC.com if you intend to keep the car as there is 15 years of knowledge on there (I am also a fairly active member).
Thank you Give me a shout if you run into any issues/have any questions, and maybe get yourself on FiestaSTOC.com if you intend to keep the car as there is 15 years of knowledge on there (I am also a fairly active member).
yes I registered on there the other night. What is your username? Do have a few questions you may be able to help on What is the issue with the PCV hose?
As I have decided the Octavia will be staying for the forseeable and decided I'll try to get another 4 - 5 years out of it - with work mileage included, the car will have paid for itself about 20 times over (no joke).
I ordered a few small things for it last night;
2x Bosch Flat Wipers as the £7 ones are rubbish (expected)
1x Bosch Rear Wiper - same reason as above
1x Set of 'Octavia' badged luxury mats
1x Set of mat clips to stop drivers from sliding
2x Boot struts are they are pretty knackered.
I have even been debating whether to look at getting the turbo sorted, instead of Mr Muscle - even have a new one fitted or this one reconditioned. There is small oil leak too but I am starting to wonder if that's the turbo seals more than anything.
Only done 3k since MOT back in December, I was doing 1 - 1,200 miles per month for work alone before lockdown but now I have spend £70 in diesel since beginning of March.
I ordered a few small things for it last night;
2x Bosch Flat Wipers as the £7 ones are rubbish (expected)
1x Bosch Rear Wiper - same reason as above
1x Set of 'Octavia' badged luxury mats
1x Set of mat clips to stop drivers from sliding
2x Boot struts are they are pretty knackered.
I have even been debating whether to look at getting the turbo sorted, instead of Mr Muscle - even have a new one fitted or this one reconditioned. There is small oil leak too but I am starting to wonder if that's the turbo seals more than anything.
Only done 3k since MOT back in December, I was doing 1 - 1,200 miles per month for work alone before lockdown but now I have spend £70 in diesel since beginning of March.
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