Over the past couple of months this problem has been getting worse, now and again it struggles to start, it coughs a bit but when it gets going it's fine. It runs fine apart from now and again it will do a slight misfire under load.

I'm going to have a look at the spark plugs as I hope it's just these that need replacing, but I've also read about when the throttle body needs cleaning, I've had a look under the air box and around the small metal pipe that conects to the box there is what looks like an oily substance. Can any tell us what it is and if it's doing any harm or where it came from?

A common problem I know!

Edited 17 December, 200718 yr by karlito

Sounds like the spark plugs AND HT leads need replacing. ?Plug into VAG COM and the bloody car will actually tell you which HT lead is worn - but ALWAYS replace a full set. You can pull the HT leads off and observe the sparking in low light conditions, but you may still miss a low level fracture in the lead.

Get someone to check it out!

PoloD.

Edited 18 December, 200718 yr by PoloD

Cheers pal, how do the HT leads actually get naffed up? Is it the cold or heat or the power passing through them all the time?

Dunno exactly, but I guess they get worn with all that current going through them. Certainly, from experience, they seem to get brittle over time.

I remember when one went on our 6n. Just suddenly and typically in the pouring rain. The car appeared to be struggling of coughing and just not firing right. One set of 4x OEM HT leads later - fixed. Running sweet.

Erm... rather than relying on a 3rd hand diagnosis on the basis of a description why don't you take it to a local garage for an opinion. It may be cheaper than randomly replacing parts? If you think they are talking rubbish just walk away... Oh and you can buy all sorts of 'uprated' leads with certain mm diameters and so on. Never really bothered with them just a nice fresh set of VW OEM leads.

I must warn you that other problems can lead to the same symptoms!

Kind regards,

PoloD.

Edited 18 December, 200718 yr by PoloD

Just out of curiosity, if I want genuine VW parts do i have to go to VW or do other people sell 'em? And what does OEM mean is that a make or or just a code for the leads?

karlito

Sorry Karlito,

OEM = Original Equipment Manufacturer = Genuine VW parts.

You can buy them from the dealership. Also from Vagparts.com. The price difference of some things are not as great as some people imagine. For example, if you want to change the engine air filter in your car, the filter (twin set) is actually cheaper from VW compared to Halfords!

What I meant was... never bothered with SUPER MEGA uprated leads... just got an original set from VW and whacked them it. Done deal.

Edited 19 December, 200718 yr by PoloD