Jump to content

Engine dies intermittently


Recommended Posts

Recently had the cam shaft replaced on my 2l TDI Superb and after driving for approx 100 miles ( cab driver ) the engine suddenly died and wouldn't restart. After not showing up any faults, the battery was first replaced as it was over charging on meter plus new alternator installed and now new EGR valve as this was apparently seized. After getting the car back this eve, I left it running for 2 hrs and came back to a growly sound off engine just before it died again. Costing me big time replacing parts that to me are not the cause but a symptom. I suggested to check cam sensor but not listened to. Also one of the dash clocks is constantly flickering and bulbs seem to be blowing a lot but that could have been over charging battery. Not knowledgeable with engines but please any ideas, has me stressed out and no earnings coming in. HELP

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Has there been an engine earth lead missed off when the camshaft work was done? - can cause really weird to happen. Try temporarily connecting a jump lead between the negative (black / "-") terminal of the battery and a metal part on the engine.

 

What age is the car and what engine does it have (there are different type of 2l diesels)?

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's the Ambition model 140 bhp is all I'm aware of at present. I will do as u suggested in the morning and also get on to the original mechanic who fitted the cam ( other side of the country in Galway, long story ! )  Thanks for the advice and will let u know how I get on. Cheers

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Backing up for a sec, why was the camshaft replaced? The common rail engines are not known for eating camshafts. Which camshaft was replaced - intake or exhaust?

 

Who has been working on it? This sounds like something that should be handled by a competent dealer or a good independent VAG specialist. A head rebuild is not a trivial job and cause huge headaches if not done properly.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cam shaft was apparently worn (200k miles up) and your talking to someone who knows little about engines and didn't realise there are 2 different cam shafts to start with. Was making a knocking sound originally, timing belt had been replaced about 3 months prior, but other than that all was good save the dash light constantly flickering. Fault showed glow plugs faulty but when checked all good. Thanks for your interest

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cam shaft was apparently worn (200k miles up) and your talking to someone who knows little about engines and didn't realise there are 2 different cam shafts to start with. Was making a knocking sound originally, timing belt had been replaced about 3 months prior, but other than that all was good save the dash light constantly flickering. Fault showed glow plugs faulty but when checked all good. Thanks for your interest

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The car needs to be scanned with VCDS or a similarly capable scan tool. A generic scanner is not going to be much good here. If it's cutting out because of a sensor, the fault will be recorded and can be read with diagnostics.

 

What criterion did the mechanic use for determining the camshaft was worn? Skoda's service manual doesn't actually specify a wear limit for the camshaft lobes, only for axial play. While they don't specify what to do if the axial play is out of spec, it's probably a bearing issue rather than a worn camshaft.

 

There are several special tools needed for removing and replacing the camshafts on these engines: does your mechanic have these?

 

I'd be wondering what caused the camshaft to wear if it was indeed worn. They're not known for wearing out on the common rail engines as far as I'm aware. My worry here is that there was insufficient lubrication at some point in the car's life. This would leave me wondering about the condition of the rest of the engine. What oil was used at services?

 

When you say the engine was knocking, where was the knocking sound coming from?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sorry didn't get back sooner but not available all day. Thanks for all the feed back. Firstly not sure exactly if a bearing r what was worn but will double check now u mention it. A colleague of mine also in cab business with similar mileage and identical car also had his cam replaced. Checked to see if earthed and yes. Brought it to a main dealer earlier but week before they can look at it. I know it's still not right as I drove it out and was conscious of  it stalling again and not starting. I will now look at getting a good diagnostic garage to look at it but in mean time all suggestions greatly accepted and I hope I answered all who took the trouble to contact me. Cheers 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The flickering dash is a relatively common issue, in that I've seen it mentioned on here a few times over recent months.

 

The speedo, rev counter and needles are illuminated via LED's. Sounds like one of them is on it's way out.

 

Unfortunately as they are designed to last the life of the car they aren't designed to be easily replaced.

 

You mentioned leaving the car idling for 2 hours. Is this normal? I appreciate taxi's can be sat ticking over whilst on the rank for extended periods but leaving it 2 hours won't be doing the EGR or DPF any favours.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Community Partner

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to BRISKODA. Please note the following important links Terms of Use. We have a comprehensive Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.