Seat Alhambra 1.9TDi starting & lack of power problem

[markdaniels]

Hi all,
I am looking for a little help and guidance with my 140k - 2001 - 1.9TDi (AUY engine type) which is having great problems starting.
The fault has been present for 3 months, but as i was well past the last scheduled service, i assumed it was down to dirty filters etc., but now had all service work carried out at my local garage, but fault still exists.
The symptoms are : starting in all conditions will take anything between 15 seconds to 1 minute of continuous engine cranking, during which time engine struggles to fire, and even when it sounds to have caught, you still need to keep the starter cranking for additonal 5 seconds whilst you apply a little throttle to gets the revs up.
Engine idle varies between 850 - 1000 rpm. There appears to be no power below 1800rpm, and getting out of junctions is positively dangerous without 1800rpm or more on the counter.
When stationery, if the throttle is increased very slowly from idle, at approx 1700rpm (without any further throttle travel) the engine suddenly begins to race up to 3000rpm.
When being driven, there is a prominent and definate flat spot below 1800rpm, coupled with a very low drone / rumble from the offside front of the engine bay, both of which disappear above 1800rpm when power is on tap once more.
I have changed the air mass meter for a new bosch one but this made matters worse with the car refusing to start at all, so i have reverted to the original item and again engine will start eventually.
I have disconnected the air mass sensor altogether and again this prevents the car from starting at all (against all other advice i have found).
I have taken it back to my local garage who without inspection have suggested a feul pump / fuelling issue as the possible casue.
Whilst at GSF locally, they put a VAG Com module on the car abnd it gave an engine immobilser fault reading, but with this cleared it still made no difference.

If there is anyone out there with any better ideas / suggestions they would be welcome.

[markdaniels]

As a follow up to my initial thread, my local garage referred me to a diesel specialist for fuelling diagnostics checks. These revealed that the cam belt was periliously loose due to failed tensioners! A new belt and set of tensioners later and all is well again, with excellent starting, full power restored and MPG back to mid 40's.

[zollaf]

i cant believe how lucky you are to have caught that belt before it went. i also cant believe the garage didnt spot it to start with as it must have been making a bit of noise

[markdaniels]

It was making a bit of a racket, but the belt and tensioners were changed by the garage only 20k miles ago, so i guess they discounted it, and as the symptoms were similar to fuel starvation they referred me.
In respect of 'catching it in time', i had driven the car with this developing fault since February, and have covered over 5000 miles! Testament to the strength of the timing belt cover as this was the only thing restraining the belt from jumping off.