Hi guys, I recently bought a decent FABIA 2 (2012) 1.2 HTP 70 HP (CGPA engine) at 171000 Kms. At first, I noticed some weird noise while starting the car and another noise after the start which goes away by pressing the clutch pedal. As, I did not know the previous service record, I changed timing chain (FEBI, without water pump) and clutch set (LUK). Now the noise while starting is gone but the noise after start is still there (very less though). Also, from the start I fell lack of power, I know its just 70 HP but still. I drove another cars, they are performing better. My car also struggles to go above 100 km/s particularly in 4 and 5 gears. The engine oil is also new. What could be the possible ways to increase the power? I saw some videos where they mention many things o clean like, oxygen sensor, crank sensor, map sensor, maf sensor, solenoid valve etc.

The noise that disapears when clutch is pressed could be a worn release bearing or DMF if fitted. Not sure on your car. My sons mk1 1.2htp was pretty gutless on main roads but seems quite nippy around town. I changed clutch as it had failed and it seems to have a bit more acceleration and more power. I reckon his clutch was slipping under acceleration. No real smell of burnt clutch and then one day it failed completely without warning. All that was left was a pile of fibres in the bottom of bell housing. At 170k if yours is the original clutch then it may be slipping and thats why your losing power

Alasdair

But I recently changed clutch set.

28 minutes ago, MAKAKI said:

But I recently changed clutch set.

Sorry dont know how I missed that. Depending on how many miles you have done with new clutch it may just be bedding in. My sons was a bit weird at first after I changed it but settled in after a few days. Lack of power could be as simple as the airfilter, check its not needing changed. It might also be worth getting car scanned for fault codes as well just in case there are any stored. A clogged fuel filter is another option but highly unlikely.

I assume the engine management light comes on with ignition and goes off when started.

Alasdair

Even with only 70PS as standard, your engine should not be struggling to reach over 100KPH in 4th or 5th gear.

Not familiar with HTP - is this a petrol?

Does the engine misfire under acceleration?

What was it like before the timing chain was done? If its a tooth out it would explain lack of power.

Alasdair

Checking on VW engine specs, CGPA 1.2 engine comes up as 'Timing Belt' not chain! Is this information incorrect?

There is clearly a fair bit of incorrect data out there!

I've now found confirmation from 3 independent sites quoting Simplex chain.

Check your spark plugs and airfilter and do a scan for fault codes.

Yes the engine light comes when ignition is on and goes away after starting the engine. Its a petrol car @Warrior193 . Spark plugs were also changed along with air filter, clutch set and timing chain. I did 2000 kms since then. I don't think there is a misfire (is there any method to check other than sound). Before timing chain replacement the power was a bit low. It increased but not up to the mark. The company's top speed is 163 km/h, I could not go above 100 easily. Also if I go through underpass in 5th gear, I have to downshift to get out. Maybe I am expecting too much from my car. By the way, today I found a little tear on my air filter hose, could it be the reason?

Edited 21 August, 202521 Aug by MAKAKI
Some information I forgot to add

2 hours ago, MAKAKI said:

I don't think there is a misfire (is there any method to check other than sound).

I would get it scanned with vcds. If theres a misfire it will probably be stored as a fault code plus it could very well ping something else up. It could be a blocked Cat but I assume that would put management light on? Check that you have no brakes binding (pretty obvious but sometimes missed)

What is brake binding? I never heard of it.

It's a fault where the brake cylinders don't retract fully after release, resulting in excess drag.

Easily tested by carefully checking for unusual amount of heat from wheel centres after a reasonably long drive.

It can also be caused by sticking handbrake cable or pads that are seized in guides/seized caliper guide pins. As Warrior193 said check that the centre of wheels isnt very hot after a longish drive. You can also check by raising each wheel and make sure it spins freely.

Alasdair

Meant to add if yours has rear discs the handbrake cable operates a lever on top of caliper. My old octavia used to bind as the lever was seizing. The handbrake would go on when you pulled handbrake but wouldnt release properly. I removed caliper (still connected to flexi hose) and then lever from caliper and lubricated mechanism, replaced lever and manually operated it until it freed off. Had to do it a good few times plus kept having to wind in pistons as well. If checking if the brakes are over heated don't burn your finger like I did.

Alasdair

BTW my hand brake is not working properly on steep hills. The car moves slowly backwards. I am thinking to adjust it. I will also do the lubrication. I also ordered air filter hose. Lets see what happens.

MIne was the same. Couldnt get handbrake to hold car no matter how much I adjusted it. One of the levers was seized so handbrake puting all force to one side. The rear one that was seized was also binding quite badly. Before adjusting check that the cables to each caliper are actually moving as well. If one or both cable are seized or stiff you can put handbrake on but it doesnt release properly which causes binding.

Alasdair

Thank you for the suggestion. I will try to check myself but I do not have many tools. I will take it to the mechanic soon. Hope for the best. Fingers crossed.