Hey guys,

I am getting some poor economy in the octavia recently and so was thinking into causes and how I can resolve them myself.

So I have had the turbo replaced recently and it has improved slightly but still not as good as when I got it.

It was regularly doing 46-47mpg (measured) and now averaging 43mpg and with fuel costing a lot I think I need to improve it.

I am thinking either the MAF or EGR could be culprits. Is there a recommended MAF to use for replacement (and part numbers please)? How easy is it to clean the EGR valve as the bolt at the back looks like a bitch to get to! I am wondering whether the EGR has got gunked up over time (now on 74000miles).

Any tips guys?

Thanks

The inlet manifold and EGR are probably full of gunk, the car will drive much better with these cleaned out. How is your air filter ?? You might also try "resetting your throttle" (push throttle to floor, turn on ignition, hold for about 30secs,turn off ignition, take foot off throttle)

adding some fuel cleaner would help too, have a look on the http://www.powerenhancer.co.uk/ website as they do very effective cleaning products

Hey guys,

I am getting some poor economy in the octavia recently and so was thinking into causes and how I can resolve them myself.

So I have had the turbo replaced recently and it has improved slightly but still not as good as when I got it.

It was regularly doing 46-47mpg (measured) and now averaging 43mpg and with fuel costing a lot I think I need to improve it.

I am thinking either the MAF or EGR could be culprits. Is there a recommended MAF to use for replacement (and part numbers please)? How easy is it to clean the EGR valve as the bolt at the back looks like a bitch to get to! I am wondering whether the EGR has got gunked up over time (now on 74000miles).

Any tips guys?

Thanks

Nathanio,

Hi. Did you resolve this and if so what worked for you? My story is incredibly similar to yours!

Much TIA

Nick

I did the EGR and yes that bolt is a git and if you can do it yes it makes a huge difference.

Don't forget to get your new gaskets first though.

and get a shark remap my last tank saw me get 53.5mpg not bad for tootling to work and school runs, I also had 2 bikes on the roof for some of that too

Yep, check MAF, clean EGR (ideally remove it completely but can understand people not wanting to go down that route), replace air filter.

Also, what fuel are you using? Also, would be worth running a few tanks with some Millers fuel additive. It's about a tenner a bottle and is recommended; I add it with each tank I use.

+1 for Millers, Shark and replace filters. Don't forget the fuel filter.

Also, check your tyre pressures!!!

I have noticed that my fuel economy has dipped since March where I was averaging over 52mpg and now it is 48/9 ish. Still filling up with Shell Fuel Save Diesel. Same type of driving etc.

But I am going to get my EGR and throttle body cleaned out when I have a dicky glow plug replaced in a week or two, as well as give all the intake and intercooler pipework a good clean with brake cleaner. Should be good for a first blast with all the fumes in there!

Averaged 67 in mine on Monday night on a run, mainly 40 & 50 limits! Nice having warm summer air and empty roads later on

Keep meaning to check the accuracy of the trip computer actually; that reminds me. See how far wrong the % factor in VCDS is. But still, I usually average low 50s for other trips, so that was significantly better :yes:

As you mention glow plugs Andy, how much are these? I notice a fault code against 1 in VCDS, but it's been there for a while and I've noticed no ill effects. Would like to get it sorted for peace of mind though. An easy DIY change?

I did the EGR and yes that bolt is a git and if you can do it yes it makes a huge difference.

Don't forget to get your new gaskets first though.

Hi Mark, hope the new job is going well!

I have had the EGR replaced at last service and it has made a difference to the power delivery but economy hasn't improved much.

and get a shark remap my last tank saw me get 53.5mpg not bad for tootling to work and school runs, I also had 2 bikes on the roof for some of that too

Yep, check MAF, clean EGR (ideally remove it completely but can understand people not wanting to go down that route), replace air filter.

Also, what fuel are you using? Also, would be worth running a few tanks with some Millers fuel additive. It's about a tenner a bottle and is recommended; I add it with each tank I use.

I might try cleaning the MAF to see if that helps. I guess logging it will tell if it is FUBAR or not. Unplugging it does make a difference to the performance.

I have been using RedEx lately as it was on offer at Costco a little while ago I notice that recently my fuel economy has been better on Tesco and Redex than Shell with or without Redex.

+1 for Millers, Shark and replace filters. Don't forget the fuel filter.

Also, check your tyre pressures!!!

I have noticed that my fuel economy has dipped since March where I was averaging over 52mpg and now it is 48/9 ish. Still filling up with Shell Fuel Save Diesel. Same type of driving etc.

But I am going to get my EGR and throttle body cleaned out when I have a dicky glow plug replaced in a week or two, as well as give all the intake and intercooler pipework a good clean with brake cleaner. Should be good for a first blast with all the fumes in there!

Pressures have been checked and reset lately to be 33/35 (fr/rr) for motorway roadtrips.

Averaged 67 in mine on Monday night on a run, mainly 40 & 50 limits! Nice having warm summer air and empty roads later on

Keep meaning to check the accuracy of the trip computer actually; that reminds me. See how far wrong the % factor in VCDS is. But still, I usually average low 50s for other trips, so that was significantly better :yes:

As you mention glow plugs Andy, how much are these? I notice a fault code against 1 in VCDS, but it's been there for a while and I've noticed no ill effects. Would like to get it sorted for peace of mind though. An easy DIY change?

67! You bugger!

Other things I have done is replace the fuel temperature sensor (it should have been reading about 6.2kohms but was reading 12.something kohms instead! That helped a little

Rocker cover needs replacing as the PCV has failed in the open position and drinking oil and blowing oil back into the intercooler pipe work. Booked in for next week.

This year my car would have had around £2000 spent on repairs :( I still love it though and hasn't put me off buying another. I am slightly miffed as the wifes vRS has been sound as a pound!

67! You bugger!

It's alright, doesn't happen that often. Don't usually drive with economy as my primary aim

Good to know it's possible though. My brim-to-brim tank avr is usually mid to high 40s.

Well I suppose that is a little more comforting!

I do record my fuel usage and it makes for some (scary) interesting reading! In the 2 years I have had the car I have spent £4000 on fuel

I would love to do a remap but alas money is tight (now I have all these repairs to pay for!), i'm not sure I'd get it through SWMBO and probably couldn't afford the increased insurance!

Interesting to keep in the back of my mind though!

Well I suppose that is a little more comforting!

I do record my fuel usage and it makes for some (scary) interesting reading! In the 2 years I have had the car I have spent £4000 on fuel

I would love to do a remap but alas money is tight (now I have all these repairs to pay for!), i'm not sure I'd get it through SWMBO and probably couldn't afford the increased insurance!

Interesting to keep in the back of my mind though!

I record my fuel used as well when I go on holidays etc. Last year travelling to Scotland with a fully loaded car (camping) and roofbox:

Actual fuel consumption figures:

Motorway part of journey at a steady 70mph - 50mpg!

Scenic tour of Scottish Highlands (single track roads, up hills and down glens, also 'making good time' and 'pressing on' at times) - 45mpg!

Now this year it's down to around 42mpg after a trip to west Wales. Same sort of load, same sort of driving.

Hope I can improve this soon.

Nick

I'm a spreadsheet fuel fan too

Don't keep a running cost total though, that's just cruel!

Yep, check MAF, clean EGR (ideally remove it completely but can understand people not wanting to go down that route), replace air filter.

Also, what fuel are you using? Also, would be worth running a few tanks with some Millers fuel additive. It's about a tenner a bottle and is recommended; I add it with each tank I use.

Why??? :S

ordered a delete kit now......

Some people don't particularly like straying from the manufacturer intended design, modifying bits, insurance worries, engine light coming on etc etc

Horses for courses

P.S. have you got one of the next batch from Darkside earmarked? Mine arrived from them today. Hopefully get it swapped with the Allard one shortly.

Some people don't particularly like straying from the manufacturer intended design, modifying bits, insurance worries, engine light coming on etc etc

Horses for courses

P.S. have you got one of the next batch from Darkside earmarked? Mine arrived from them today. Hopefully get it swapped with the Allard one shortly.

I'm in agreement, anyone who remaps, lowers, colour codes grilles and fits spoilers, swaps badges for custom versions etc, etc should be shot!!! :p

I've just put the order in, will get it when they do, I'm in no rush.

Guilty as charged

I'm just aware that sometimes the solution that's obvious for some of us [remove it, upgrade etc], isn't necessarily the path that all will want to follow

As you mention glow plugs Andy, how much are these? I notice a fault code against 1 in VCDS, but it's been there for a while and I've noticed no ill effects. Would like to get it sorted for peace of mind though. An easy DIY change?

Easy DIY change - make sure the engine is warm though.

Trade price is about £12, NGK ones can be got non-trade for about £18ish

just curious guys, whats the difference with the Darkside Developments EGR delete?

Firstly there name is soooo cool.

I haven't got my kit yet but so far the customer service has been superb.........beyond that don't know really.

Some people don't particularly like straying from the manufacturer intended design, modifying bits, insurance worries, engine light coming on etc etc

Horses for courses

P.S. have you got one of the next batch from Darkside earmarked? Mine arrived from them today. Hopefully get it swapped with the Allard one shortly.

Will the Allard one be taking up space in your garage when you take it off, so much so, you might want to get rid ??????????

Will the Allard one be taking up space in your garage when you take it off, so much so, you might want to get rid ??????????

I think he's trying to send it back mate as it's the wrong one.

Easy DIY change - make sure the engine is warm though.

Trade price is about £12, NGK ones can be got non-trade for about £18ish

Cheers Andy. Fault showing up on 3 & 4 for me, so might just swap those at that price then.

just curious guys, whats the difference with the Darkside Developments EGR delete?

It's sold by a company with customer service, for a start. That was enough to make me buy this one, rather than continue asking Allard to sort out my issue.

The design does differ. Would have to compare images of the Allard Roadsport pipe, alongside this Darkside one to know for certain though.

Will the Allard one be taking up space in your garage when you take it off, so much so, you might want to get rid ??????????

I think he's trying to send it back mate as it's the wrong one.

As said, it'll be going back. You don't want the Motorsport one, believe me. Well if you want to completely remove the flap motor maybe, but no idea why you'd want that on a road car.

I'm a spreadsheet fuel fan too

Don't keep a running cost total though, that's just cruel!

Why not use fuelly - works it all out for you :-)