Wife called me whilst driving to report the above, pulled over and nothing obvious to her and was driveable so she drove it home. Brakes and pads were fine, took it for a drive myself and felt fine however upon lifting the bonnet there is a lot of oil spray around the serpentine belt area with an (almost comical) outline of a circle directly opposite the alternator pulley. The EML is on, but it was on before and the code was for Glow Plug Cylinder 4 fault which I was going to swap out tomorrow. No additional codes thrown since this.

 

Looks like something has gone pop and sprayed oil/grease down there onto the belt which has then chucked it everywhere but couldn't find a single source for it. The oil/grease itself has a reddish/brown tinge to it rather than black.

 

 

 

Called local Skoda garage and they cant guarantee to even see it until the 24th but said leave it with them next week sometime and they'll try and squeeze it in, of course this happens <3 months after the warranty expires! 

Several things to check:

 

1) Check the high pressure fuel lines - especially around Cylinder 4.  They can occassionally burst.  If you have been very unlucky, Cylinder 4's Glow Plug has either detached itself or broken loose and is allow high pressure fuel to escape (which considering the spray nature of the photos - looks a good possibility).

2) The oil seal around the crank take off for the serpinetine pulley may have burst / possible crank-case seal failure.  Pray this isn't the case, because that could be an engine out job.

3) Make sure there isn't a leak around the fuel filter - get it changed and check all of the pipes.

 

 

5 minutes ago, varaderoguy said:

Several things to check:

 

1) Check the high pressure fuel lines - especially around Cylinder 4.  They can occassionally burst.  If you have been very unlucky, Cylinder 4's Glow Plug has either detached itself or broken loose and is allow high pressure fuel to escape (which considering the spray nature of the photos - looks a good possibility).

2) The oil seal around the crank take off for the serpinetine pulley may have burst / possible crank-case seal failure.  Pray this isn't the case, because that could be an engine out job.

3) Make sure there isn't a leak around the fuel filter - get it changed and check all of the pipes.

 

 

I've not had a chance to look it up, but I take it Cylinder 4 the closest to that side then given your comments?

Skoda called back and apparently we took out extended warranty so at least theres that but they're already asking for tons of extra info so already wiggling out of it.

I wouldn't drive it too far - use the Skoda breakdown service (there should be a sticker above the driver's door for their number - 0800 526 625) and get the car to the garage.

Cylinder 4 is furthest away from the auxiliary belt

Local dealer called me back after having car for 4 days to try and find time to investigate it as nearest official slot was next month, Glow Plug #4 replaced to clear EML and awaiting authorisation from warranty to fix the other issue which was caused by the cap/cover on the alternator pulley coming off (the bang) and spreading oil/grease from it around all the belts (the burning smell).

 

I assume they're going to change more than just the pulley/cap given theyre waiting for authorisation as the last time I had a scenario where it was with a warranty authorisation was like this was when our Freelander 2 rear main engine seal went back and ****ed oil into the clutch and gearbox requiring full replacement of both.