Advice desperately needed - VW Polo 1.4cl
Discussion
Hi
This is the first time I've used this site, I'm desperate for some advice and you chaps all seem incredibly clued up so I thought you may be able to help.
I have a 1998 Polo 1.4cl. Lately the engine has been cutting out when I slow down to below 15-20mph. I can be drawing close to a junction for example, I put the clutch down to put the car in second and the engine just cuts out. I have found that taking the car out of gear while I am slowing down, and then putting it back into gear (i.e. 2nd) when I need to accelerate again seems to stop the problem. Any ideas what may be causing this?
Also, I have been told by a mechanic friend of mine (who noticed this when trying to resole the cutting out problem) that my head gasket is close to going. He said that due to the year of my engine (a design fault or something) that if I pay the few hundred pounds to get the gasket replaced, that it is likely to go again in a few thousand miles time - is this a known problem?
I love my car to bits and am desperate not to sell it, but if it the symptoms of the cutting out and the gasket mean it is going to be high maintenance, I'll have to sell.
Any advice would be really apprecaited.
Thanks,
Lauren
This is the first time I've used this site, I'm desperate for some advice and you chaps all seem incredibly clued up so I thought you may be able to help.
I have a 1998 Polo 1.4cl. Lately the engine has been cutting out when I slow down to below 15-20mph. I can be drawing close to a junction for example, I put the clutch down to put the car in second and the engine just cuts out. I have found that taking the car out of gear while I am slowing down, and then putting it back into gear (i.e. 2nd) when I need to accelerate again seems to stop the problem. Any ideas what may be causing this?
Also, I have been told by a mechanic friend of mine (who noticed this when trying to resole the cutting out problem) that my head gasket is close to going. He said that due to the year of my engine (a design fault or something) that if I pay the few hundred pounds to get the gasket replaced, that it is likely to go again in a few thousand miles time - is this a known problem?
I love my car to bits and am desperate not to sell it, but if it the symptoms of the cutting out and the gasket mean it is going to be high maintenance, I'll have to sell.
Any advice would be really apprecaited.
Thanks,
Lauren
In the absence of the more knowledgeable types turning up (don't worry they will be along soon), I would suggest a first step is to check for the obvious i.e. electrical connections, frayed wires, holes in vacuum pipes etc.
I am a little confused by the comments on the head gasket. How was a 'nearly gone' head gasket diagnosed? They tend to be either gone or not. The theory that replacing the head gasket would only be a temporary affair doesn't sound, right. I haven't heard of this sort of major design fault with VW engines like and I would have thought it would have been pretty well known if it existed. If the job is done properly and the head is checked for flatness or reground if necessary (and possible) then I cannot see why it shouldn't last as long as the first one.
I am sure someone more expert will be along soon that can shed more light or tell you if I am talking rubbish.
Good luck
I am a little confused by the comments on the head gasket. How was a 'nearly gone' head gasket diagnosed? They tend to be either gone or not. The theory that replacing the head gasket would only be a temporary affair doesn't sound, right. I haven't heard of this sort of major design fault with VW engines like and I would have thought it would have been pretty well known if it existed. If the job is done properly and the head is checked for flatness or reground if necessary (and possible) then I cannot see why it shouldn't last as long as the first one.
I am sure someone more expert will be along soon that can shed more light or tell you if I am talking rubbish.
Good luck
Hi
Thanks for that - I'll have a look for anything suspicious looking.
I am unsure how the conclusion that the gasket is 'nearly gone' was arrived at and I honestly have little knowledge of car engines I didn't question what I was being told. Should I perhaps get a second opinion? I know that my petrol consumption has gone down from just over 300 miles for a 35 litre tank, to just under 200 miles and this was attributed to the fact the gasket is 'going'.
What are the symptoms of a blown head gasket?
Duh, I wish I was a bit more technical.
Thanks,
Lauren
Thanks for that - I'll have a look for anything suspicious looking.
I am unsure how the conclusion that the gasket is 'nearly gone' was arrived at and I honestly have little knowledge of car engines I didn't question what I was being told. Should I perhaps get a second opinion? I know that my petrol consumption has gone down from just over 300 miles for a 35 litre tank, to just under 200 miles and this was attributed to the fact the gasket is 'going'.
What are the symptoms of a blown head gasket?
Duh, I wish I was a bit more technical.
Thanks,
Lauren
As has already been said a head gasket has either gone or it hasn't.
If the head gasket has gone, then there's usually an easy sign (although not always!) if there is foamy gunk in the header tank and/or under filler cap, Or oil coming from around the cylinder head where it meets the top of the cylinder block, then the head gasket has gone.
Either of these are obvious signs.
Now what you have described suggests that you're getting too much fuel (the cut out may be related to this).
Given its more than likely fuel injection it sounds like a sensor may be out, i would recommend you get a reputable garage to give you a second opinion!
Get them to read the diagnostic codes from the ECU, may show up if theres a sensor fault.
but the head gasket thing sounds a little like he's trying to rip you off. But get them to check what he seems to be suggesting.
Compression test would show if the head gaskets gone.
If the head gasket has gone, then there's usually an easy sign (although not always!) if there is foamy gunk in the header tank and/or under filler cap, Or oil coming from around the cylinder head where it meets the top of the cylinder block, then the head gasket has gone.
Either of these are obvious signs.
Now what you have described suggests that you're getting too much fuel (the cut out may be related to this).
Given its more than likely fuel injection it sounds like a sensor may be out, i would recommend you get a reputable garage to give you a second opinion!
Get them to read the diagnostic codes from the ECU, may show up if theres a sensor fault.
but the head gasket thing sounds a little like he's trying to rip you off. But get them to check what he seems to be suggesting.
Compression test would show if the head gaskets gone.
If your car has an idle stabilisation valve then it could be worth cleaning it out, this can cause similar symptoms in other VW engines, but it sounds like the mixture is wrong, hence the stalling and the poor fuel economy. Definately get a second opinion, I would agree that the headgasket diagnosis is a bit iffy, try a local specialist or if you are made of money, VW themselves. Your car is new enough to have an OBD port, get any fault codes looked at as a first go.
Awesome - thanks loads for your help. I'll check out the points you've all suggested and also get a second opinion from a garage. I tried VW but I was a bit put off by their £45 'diagnostic' fee, and then the £75 per hour labour - having said that it might be worth biting the bullet and if any work needs doing getting them to do it.
Cheers,
Lauren
Cheers,
Lauren
Dont take it to a VW dealer. Either do it yourself (£15, 20 minutes time to buy tools to perform and do a compression test that will tell you the general state of the engine and diagnose a blown head gasket) or take it to an independent garage. Many reasons, but essentially, if you want less hassle, less cost, better service then dont go to VW.
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