I have a Superb I 2004 V6 2.8. Having starting troubles now. Started fine in the morning got to my office and after one and half hour tried starting but it would not start. The first short crank and noticed a strong smell of petrol. After cranking the ignition for long periods and at the 5th long crank it came to life but sounded choked took a couple of minutes to sound normal. Have not changed the fuel filter and air filter for the past 20,000kms.

Took it to the mechanic, after listening to the symptoms and without checking the car he said the engine throttle has to be replaced a new one would cost GBP462/-. However, it started fine in the evening single crank no choking effect no smell of petrol. It is summer here now and the temperatures are high 46 deg cel.

Any idea what is this engine throttle. Has anybody come across similar problem. Any suggestions or solutions will be greatly appreciated.

Edited 8 June, 201214 yr by killahwhale

Does it start fine when it is cold?

unfamiliar with this engine, but could the throttle body need a good clean out? sounds like a similar symptom of a few.

If he is talking about the body it usually doesnt need replaced, just cleaned out. Do a search and plenty of people have had to do it

Edited 8 June, 201214 yr by Lofty79

Yep Danny looks like that. Coz, in the morning it started single crank. In the afternoon when the sun was beating down strong it had problems but once it started then it would start at once if tried immediately. Let it be for 15 minutes and it did not start, when it did it had the chocking effect. In the evening left it for a few hours and it started single crank.

Thanks Danny.

Lofty, what is the throttle body. He told me something bout it having a code and if I found one in the used market it would not match with my engine. He told me that the job would take a whole day, "leave it in the morning and i'll try and finish it by the evening" is what he said.

I have a 2.8 V6, maybe not the same model, I only changed my fuel filter at about 75,000 miles. If cold starting is okay, I'd reckon that the engine temperature sensor might be faulty so causing mega over fuelling when trying to hot start, or start when the ambient temperature is high. Don't get confused between this sensor's engine to ECU signal and its other engine to temperature gauge signal - it is a dual sensor. This sensor is located at the rear of the engine and is not the easiest part to reach!

That was my thought as well.

Thanks guys... however it was fine for the past week or so. Yesterday the symptoms showed up again. The sensor that you guys mentioned is it the same as the engine coolant temperature sensor which is green in color? Is there a separate engine temperature sensor, if so do where can I find it on my engine. Can i replace it myself?

No the sensor is the coolant sensor and that, at least on my car, is located at the end nearest the fire wall, in the centre/RHS. In my case, being a 2000 car, the original sensor was black - but is now maybe green as I bought a genuine VAG part + seal + clip.

Thanks Rum4mo, going to take it to the mechanic today. will ask him to change it and hope it works fine afterwards.

one bottle of inj cleaner treatment added to 1/3 of a tank of gas.