1.4 TDI - lack of power

FlyingScot

FlyingScot

Member
Hi,

Had to have the head gasket replaced about 18 months ago, after I got it back it felt a bit flat power wise compared to before. Had a chat with the place that did the work, they re-checked everything and said that they couldn't find anything wrong. I know somebody that works there and I'm fairly confident that they're not hiding anything.

Over the last 18 months it has slowly got worse. There's virtually no power below 2000rpm, once it gets past there and the turbo spins up it pulls fine.

I'm at a bit of a loss as to what I should check, have had some suggestions about EGR valves and Air Flow Meters.

Any info or suggestions appreciated.

Cheers.
 
Hi FlyingScot,

There are a few of things I'd do if this was occuring with mine - it's also worth advising if your car has been remapped

First would be a scan to ensure there are no obvious issues.
Next would be to ensure all the pipework to and from the intercooler are all in good order and have good firm seals where they attach.
Next would be to visually check the intercooler for any signs of wear/damage/oil.
Next, if all the above seem fine, would be to locate someone with a rolling road and have them plot a power curve.

Obviously you're a fair way from Stealth Racing, but someone with a good knowledge of how the A2's power curve should be, would be best to verify how your engine is performing.

Cheers

Jeff
 
Thanks Jeff, I'll get a good looks at it next week.

It's not been re-mapped and a recent scan showed up nothing hence my post.

There's a dyno in Glasgow that'll check it for me if the inter cooler check over doesn't help.

Cheers

Kenny
 
My TDi has for the last few months, just not felt "Right", either performance-wise (nagging feeling it had lost some oomph), or economy-wise (down in the low 50s instead of the low 60s). However, nothing was showing on the ECU, and nothing obvious like split intercooler either.

Eventually, Tony at A2 Motors spotted that the wiring to fuel temperature sender was broken, around where it goes between the sensor and the rest of the loom.
A quick wire repair and I have to say the car is totally transformed back to its former glory.

Worth giving the cables a check if I were you - also look out for things like the dual-temperature sender being faulty, or perhaps even the thermostat has seized - both of these things can also impair performance and are common on the TDi.
 
Thanks for the info folks.
Unfortunately just after posting this I managed to damage my knee and I'm still hobbling round on crutches.
I'll get to trying your recommendations eventually.....
 
Paid for an MRI myself as the so called consultant said it was a waste of time!
It definitely wasn't. I've got a bucket handle tear in my meniscus which basically means that there's a flap of torn cartilage that's getting caught up in the joint along with another loose bit floating around and getting in places it shouldn't be.
Keyhole surgery should sort it out, or so I'm told. Hurts like hell!
 
All I did was stand up after sliding myself out from under my VW Camper I'm restoring.
I did twist a bit, bad move!
 
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