Engine cut out - breather hose?

[kildareflare]

Hello
I have a problem with my 8v MK3 GTi that has been getting worse over the last month. Im not really that great with cars so bear with me…


The problem started with the engine cutting out briefly while driving along before restarting itself. This got a little worse as it would cut out and restart multiple times with the rev counter flicking on and off and the oil warning light flashing, but then restart by itself while still moving.



However it’s now got to the stage where it cuts out completely – with the oil waning light flashing and the handbrake light on although it will normally restart if I kill the ignition and start it again - for example while doing 50 on the motorway this morning. This can happen at any speed and I believe and rev.


As Im losing power on the motorway or when approaching roundabouts (and losing power steering) this is getting a bit worrying plus im worried about long term damage.

I took it to a garage for a service when I first noticed the problem but they found no fault. I’ve since become aware of a split on the engine oil breather pipe which I taped over while trying to find a part. Admittedly I’ve been a bit slack getting the part and there is now a small hole in the pipe.

I disconnected the pipe from the rocker cover? And cleaned it a little after reading about gunk build up on this forum. However problem is now worse if anything.
I do also have a leak in the “Vacuum pipe” which causes an annoying noise but the garage says is nothing serious…
Can anyone offer any advice? Is the breather pipe alone likely to be the problem is there something else?

Im going to try and get the pipe from a breakers or dealer this weekend and fix myself. But want to know if there is something more serious I should get the garage to sort ASAP.

Cheers
Rich

[Crasher]

What year is the car and the engine code, 2E, ADY or AGG?

[kildareflare]

Hi Crasher

Its a 97 P plate, AGG engine. Ive found an old thread on this and have just ordered a new breather hose and ECU relay (#30).

I should be able to pick these up and fit them tonight.

However, what is the thing round thing that the breather pipe connects to under the black box on to top of the engine? I tried to clean inside that last night but while i got the black cover off, i could not get inside the round thing underneath- is it possible to do this?

Any other suggestions...?

Cheers
Rich

[Crasher]

The breather canister is not cleanable, if blocked it has to be replaced but don’t remove it as the rubber grommet underneath may drop to bits and leave you stuck. Also the replacement rubber grommet does not fit properly and has to be modified to work. From your description and the lack off any stored fault codes I would say the ECU relay is a good bet but do not fit a second hand one as it is removing them that is one of the reasons they fail.

[kildareflare]

Hi Crasher

thanks for the info. I got both parts from VW. Fitted the relay last night and seem to have seen an improvement. car only tried to cut out once last night and not at all today.

For ref Hose part number for 97 P plate 8v AGG engine is 037 103 493 AK.

Did not have time to fit the hose last night so will do at lunch time - one question though - how do you undo the clip on the bottom of the hose?

Is it a case of inserting a screwdriver and twisting?

I dont have a spare so need to reuse this one....

Cheers
Rich

[Crasher]

The clip needs to be replaced, I always replace the pipe as well as they crack at the base.

[kildareflare]

Ok, cheers. One other thing, when fitting the new hose. Should I use grease or WD40 or something as a lubricant / sealant?

Cheers

[Crasher]

It’s not that tight darling but a little washing up liquid will help it slip in.

[kildareflare]

Ok, so, breather pipe fitted after first cleaning out bottom pipe and while things had improved the engine cutting out problem was still there and will less frequent, more serious when it happened.

However, my cambelt was due for change (£230) and while replacing that the garage diagnosed the crankshaft sensor was faulty; which they have replaced (£200)

Too early to say if this has fixed the problem yet. But one thing, do I need to reset the ECU by tuning the disconnecting the battery.....?

Cheers
Rich

[Crasher]

If you disconnect the battery, it may start stalling as after reconnection, the ECU has to be re-adapted to the throttle body using a diagnostic system such as VAG-COM. I find it strange that the ECU obviously had a G28 fault code stored when they did the cam belt but it had no fault codes stored previously.