Golf Mk4 2.0 Gti judder / misfire? - help!

[ian davies]

My Golf gti ( APK engine code 2,0 8v) registered to me new in 2000 has developed a misfire / judder especially at low revs or under load when carrying passengers. I recently had the timing belt changed along with water pump9 which had lost most of its plastic rotors), temp sender , spark plugs and full service. Took the car in for a new starter motor ( noisy pinion bearing) and on driving away noticed a judder. Took it back - new MAF and plug leads fitted - throttle body cleaned. Bit better but still there. I have noticed bits of something in the coolant which was drained and replaced when new pump fitted - not overheating, not losing oil or coolant. Tiny bits may be sludge due to engine running cold for a while waiting for new thermostat to be diagnosed - any ideas - Crashy you seem to be good at this sort of thing?

[STEWY L]

hi ian.
right and wrong mate.
wrong in thinking you would get sludge in coolant just because it has been running cold. in the oil, yes. not the water.could be the start of the oil cooler failing,although i have read of
murky stuff in the expansion tank being pretty common.
you are right though in thinking crasher will get you sorted.

[ian davies]

Thanks Stewy - any thoughts on the misfire? The bits in the coolant are quite small and Ive been scooping them out for a week - look like powdered hose - could it be the head gasket?
Cheers
Ian