Running Issues on my 80 2.0 8v 3A sport?

Donald_MacIver · 31-01-09, 04:37 PM

This is kind of connected with my other thread regarding spark plugs - you will see why in a minute

Anyway, i will begin at the beginning. I bought my blue G reg 80 sport 2 years ago, and it was running spot on for a good few months until it started playing up, and it hasn't quite been the same since!

Meanwhile i aquired a very rare pink J reg 80 sport for parts, and i started swapping bits accross to see if i could sort out the running problem. I swapped over plugs, leads, distributor cap etc, and it didn't make any difference, wasn't any worse or any better

Anyway, then i swapped over the fuel distributor, put a new fuel filter on, swapped over the cold start valve, and the idle control valve, and a few other sensors etc. Long and the short of it is, it's still not running right. I had to turn the idling screw up just to get it to run, as it was cutting out.

When i go to start it after leaving it for a few days, it starts first turn of the key, and idles about 2000 rpm. If you leave it 3-4 minutes, the idling settles down to just under 1000 rpm, and it will run fine. If you give it slow accelleration, it will take it ok. However if you blip the throttle, the engine almost dies, and then recovers to normal idling speed. Sometime it also backfires if you blip the throttle.

Also, i noticed when you take it for a run, it is very much down on power, and on a few occasions, it has died completely on me and flooded the engine. I got an MOT on it last May, and i was driving it for about 3 weeks, and i had to put it off the road again, as it just wasn't running right.

Now, after it sitting outside my house for the last 6 months, i am determined to sort it out. The car itself is in very good order for it's age, and i have fitted a whole new exhaust, 4 new tyres, new shocks and lowering springs, new discs, pads and 4 new calipers too. New top mounts, track rod ends, and anti-roll bar links and CV boots. I have spent a fortune on it and it's hardly done 3000 miles since i bought it 2 years ago

Anyway, i intend to fit brand new plugs, leads, distributor cap and rotor arm first to see if it sorts this problem out. Any other ideas as to what it could be? Someone mentioned to me before about the lambda sensor, i did have a new downpipe fitted about a year ago. What would the symptoms be if the lambda sensor was faulty?

I hope you are still awake when you reach this, but i really need some pointers n what it could be?

Many thanks in advance

vag80 · 31-01-09, 04:59 PM

Has the car got a cat fitted? have the spark plugs you fitted got three proges ? have you checked timing
the hall sender in the dizzy could be playing about . did the other car you have taken bits from run ok

Donald_MacIver · 31-01-09, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vag80

Has the car got a cat fitted? have the spark plugs you fitted got three proges ? have you checked timing
the hall sender in the dizzy could be playing about . did the other car you have taken bits from run ok

Hi, there is no CAT fitted, just a small resinator box instead. Both sets o plugs i've got have 3 prongs. I haven't checked the timing - don't know how

What's the hall sender? The other car i took bits from ran fine to start with, until i swapped bits accross, then wouldn't run at all

Any idea if the lambda sensor could be the cause of all this?

vag80 · 31-01-09, 05:16 PM

The hall sender is in the dizzy which helps advance and retard the timing if thats playing up the timing is all over the place . you need a timing light to check the timing . Is there a senser in the exhaust front pipe?

Donald_MacIver · 31-01-09, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vag80

The hall sender is in the dizzy which helps advance and retard the timing if thats playing up the timing is all over the place . you need a timing light to check the timing . Is there a senser in the exhaust front pipe?

The only sensor in the exhaust front pipe is the Lambda sensor as far as i am aware, it's possitioned down near the end of the front pipe, before where the cat would be fitted.

vag80 · 31-01-09, 05:43 PM

It's diffecult to check the lamber sensor if you can get one from another car to try to buy one i think their about £50 . have you check all the vacum pipes to make sure none are split or perished giving you an air leak. also there is a small micro switch on the throttle body make sure that clicks when you shut
the throttle if you put your ear near and operate manualy you should hear it also check the wiring as it can break

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
80q 1.8 poor running	5-E	Engine	6	05-11-09 12:34 PM
90Q 10V Idle/timing issues.	madwolf_uk	Engine	9	14-08-09 09:18 AM
Engine issues trying my patience again	20vcqdriver	Engine	3	13-07-09 07:40 PM
Anyone Running LPG?	Jabber	General Chat	0	13-01-09 08:34 PM

31-01-09, 04:59 PM	#2
vag80 Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Bracknell Posts: 1,967	Has the car got a cat fitted? have the spark plugs you fitted got three proges ? have you checked timing the hall sender in the dizzy could be playing about . did the other car you have taken bits from run ok

31-01-09, 05:16 PM	#4
vag80 Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Bracknell Posts: 1,967	The hall sender is in the dizzy which helps advance and retard the timing if thats playing up the timing is all over the place . you need a timing light to check the timing . Is there a senser in the exhaust front pipe?

31-01-09, 05:43 PM	#6
vag80 Senior Member Classic Audi Club Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Bracknell Posts: 1,967	It's diffecult to check the lamber sensor if you can get one from another car to try to buy one i think their about £50 . have you check all the vacum pipes to make sure none are split or perished giving you an air leak. also there is a small micro switch on the throttle body make sure that clicks when you shut the throttle if you put your ear near and operate manualy you should hear it also check the wiring as it can break