Hi fellow Briskodians.

I have some rather strange issues (if what niggly and minor) that seem a bit strange.

In the wet or very cold, the idle speed increases from around 800rpm to just under 1500rpm, the Temperature guage is irratic going from nothing to actual temperature every 5-6 mins, even when warmed up.

Also, the turbo cuts of dead after 10 mins normal driving and the only way to reset it is via resetting the ignition, which is NOT ideal especially if you're on the motorway!!

I have an Octavia 2003 (53) Laurin & Klement edition, 110Bhp, 1.9 TDI.

I have taken the car back to the dealership we bought it from (non skoda but VW specialists, same difference in my eyes!) but they are unable to come up with any sulutions apart from replacement turbo, temp guage and a full service. I'm damned if i'm paying best part of £500 for what I feel is something that can be resolved via fault finding. The strange thing is, in the warm dry weather (summer for instance) it's fine! The temp guage and turbo work as intended allways without fault, But now with the colder, damper weather, the faults have come back to haunt me.

Is this common in octi's or am I worrying about nothing. any help would be most greatfully received!!!

Tony.

Moved to correct forum...

Sounds like the thermostat or coolant temp sensor are in need of replacement, as these cause the idle problems and erratic needle probs.

Not sure on the turbo (they'll be some diesel guys along soon I'm sure)

Seconded on coolant temp sensor being the cause of the idle etc problems.

The turbo cutting out sounds like the usual VVT problem, and a search will reveal way too much info to process.

Basically, you have 2 options - find someone who will take the turbo apart and clean it, or replace it, and £500 fitted sounds like a bargain for a new turbo!

Seconded on coolant temp sensor being the cause of the idle etc problems.

The turbo cutting out sounds like the usual VVT problem, and a search will reveal way too much info to process.

Basically, you have 2 options - find someone who will take the turbo apart and clean it, or replace it, and £500 fitted sounds like a bargain for a new turbo!

That £500 didn't include the turbo. I can live with that.

No the £500 was for a full service, new thermo sensor and sender unit plus fitment. I think that's outragious prices honestly!

Quite strangely, the issues have resolved themsleves now. May just have been moisture in the engine bay. is that plausable? and could that couse the irratic temp displays and engine idling speeds?

I'll let you know if the issue returns.

On another note, I've noticed just recently, that changing from Texaco to supermarket deisel actually increased my MPG rate. Rather wierd, I would have thought that Texaco deisel was much morre supiror to Asda's, but the proof speaks for itself. I used no addatives, the engine oil is the same and i'm doing the same journeys, except with slightly heavier traffic, which I would presume would increase my fuel consumtion.

The only MAJOR difference is the outside air temperature. Do deisel engines work at their best cooler or hotter? Maybe someone can provide some sort of explenation or theory.

Many thanks and thanks also for the assistance prior to this.

Tony.

Edited 8 December, 201015 yr by Tony Wares

Diesels get less MPG when it's cold, but produce more power. This is because cold air is more dense, which means more oxygen molecules per induction stroke of the engine. To maintain the fuel:oxygen ratio, more fuel is also injected - hence more power but worse MPG when it's cold...

A new CTS is only about £25 and could be causing some of these issues. Worth changing it (not for a cheap ebay one) and that rules it out. Then if you still have turbo issues (I know you say it has cleared up for the moment), the next things to consider are n75 valve, leaking vacuum pipework or the expensive bit.... sticky vanes in the turbo. Skoda would replace the turbo, but you can take it off and clean it up.

I seem to have cleared both of the issues previosuly mentioned by using a fuel additive that cleans the injectors, fuel system and carbon deposits from the engine combustion area.

I did pay £9.99 for it, but at the moment, I'm happier then ever as fuel consuption has decreased meaning my MPG has gone up to 65MPG on a run (avaraging) and up to 52MPG around town! Thats 10MPG more on both! The engine seems to run a lot quieter when colder now, which was a concern, as I did think that the garage who supposidly done the service were cowboys and didn;t replace the engine oil or filter, but I've had a good look and all seems good (differnet colour oil filter for starters!) orange instead of a white one! I know I hate orange but hey!!

On another note, I've bought a maxiscan DTC reader/ eraser and I have to say I'm rather impressed!! Bought via the usual well known auction site (we all know what it is!) at a very resonable price and all!!

On a lighter note, I wish you all safe and happy driving in this ATTROCIOUS weather, as someone very kindly smashed into the front of my car, dammageing the indicator and main nearside front bodywork and front headlights. Insurance is sorting it with a guranteed same spec hire car and my excess will be met by the insurance company (i have uninsured risks covered) (hopefully the hire car is a newish/newer octavia than mine, as I love the newer one!!) To the driver that smashed my beloved L&K Octi, I hope you can sleep at night!! If I find you,

You won't just be sleeping!!

Good day one 'n' all!

P.S, Sorry for the rant, I had to get it out of my system!! I hope you udnerstand??!!

Edited 20 December, 201015 yr by Tony Wares