OK, i noticed a little while ago that the exhaust make a funny kind of "rasp" sound, particularly at low revs. Not usually noticable when your driving however, but the exhaust does sound very loud (which i kind of like) but get the impression it might not be right.

A few days ago, the car started to idle lumpily. When I got out of the car i noticed the exhaust was shaking in "time" with the lumpiness.

Yesterday and today i am sure i can notice a smell (almost like petrol or fumes) in the cabin when i am standing with the engine running.

Is my exhaust buggered?

Maybe just a loose exhaust mount or something? The rasp could be the exhaust vibrating...?

Rob.

a few things you need to check here.

it might be the manifold or front half of the exhaust. also check the seal round your steering column as this can allow noise and stuff into the cabin too.

check movement in your engine mounts too as this caused mine to move the exhaust breaking the seal at the mid and front section

Thanks Kenny. The front engine mount was recently done about 2 weeks ago so I'm thinking its probably not that.

I'm wondering if the rasping sound has anything to do with the smell also...

If it smells it implies the exhaust is leaking under the car - open your windows. You'll lose back pressure until the car stalls if it continues.

Might be worth a visit to the local exhaust fitter for a look.

also have a check that the internal baffles inside the silencer havent collapsed and it is being partially blocked by the sound deadning, i had this happen to me with my MK1 once, didnt notice till i got to halfrauds and passed the big window only to see a huge trail of fake wigs leading from my exhaust :P

I had a similar problem with my old clio 16v, it idled lumpy, made alot of noise for the speed it was doing and lots of exhaust vibrations as it idled. I found that it was the car misfiring as one of my HT leads were damaged, so I repaired that and changed my spark plugs and the car ran fine again. Maybe a possibility.

yeah i was going to say, check the plugs and HT leads,

the rasping noise is confusing me, im trying to think what it can be

what year is your golf?

Thanks Kenny. The front engine mount was recently done about 2 weeks ago so I'm thinking its probably not that.

I'm wondering if the rasping sound has anything to do with the smell also...

Has this problem occured SINCE you had the mount done ? maybe the exhaust system joints got disturbed when jacking up the engine..The rasping might be air getting sucked into the exhaust system and unburnt fuel 'popping' ?

Could be a slight misfire or, as the guys say, a broken baffle plate restricting the exhaust..

It did the rasping noise before the engine mount was done, but i didnt think much of it.

The lumpy idling did start after, but not straight away, that was done about 3 weeks ago and it only started a few days ago.

what year is your golf mate?

1990 digifant 8v.

1990 digifant 8v.

does it idle ok? i know you say its lumpy but does it fluctuate ie idle stabilisation valve.

mine went and it started reving up and down a little, then the revs were bouncing up and down when u dipped the clutch.

Its hard to say mate - the rev counter has never really worked since i got the car

But the revs *seem* to be fairly consistent but its hard to tell. It nearly cut out this morning when i pulled up at the lights.

Faulty ISV would mean it will stall at junctions etc.

Rasping could be an exhaust heat sheild. Check the one on the bulk head & the one around the rear silencer. In fact, check all of them!

Could also be manifold or down pipe joints, as mentioned before.

if it starts cutting out when dipping the clutch get that valve checked! mine did that. should fix the problem.

if you get sick of it u can always sell it to me!

I'll tell you what, i'll swap it for your Audi

I'll tell you what, i'll swap it for your Audi

sadly i cant do that kind of deal

looking for a mk2 as a second car, just cant find any at sensible money :(