Idling Problem - PCV or DV at fault??

[jsklair]

I was driving around on Monday, and I was thinking the exhaust note seemed a little hoarser than usual.  I thought it was my imagination playing tricks on me.

Later that afternoon, the idle started to stutter up and down.  Going from about 900rpm to 800rpm and back again, over and over.

The engine sounded like it was skipping a beat every second or so too.   And it also now seemed to be physically juddering (slightly) in the engine bay.

I drove home, and haven't used it since.


I searched through the forum, and the two main problems it could be seem to be either the Diverter Valve, or the PCV Valve.

But I'm still not sure which!  Base on what I've written, what do you all think the problem actually is?

Thanks in advance.

[E30Dom]

More likely pcv at idle, have you done the old remove the dipstick trick to see if engine note changes?

[jsklair]

Cheers E30DOM, I'll give it a go tonight.

As it's already juddering, what should I expect to happen when I remove the dipstick?

[E30Dom]

Cheers E30DOM, I'll give it a go tonight.

As it's already juddering, what should I expect to happen when I remove the dipstick?

Either get worse or nothing at all...

If gets worse then PCV might be ok, if stays the same it might be the PCV failed...

It could be a number of other things, so after you've done this test and reported back, it could need scanning for faults... could be plugs/coilpacks...

[jsklair]

It could be a number of other things, so after you've done this test and reported back, it could need scanning for faults... could be plugs/coilpacks...

Will do.

I'm going to the Paralympics Opening Cermrony now  , but I'll do a late night mission when I get home.

Thanks for the help.

[E30Dom]

Oooo nice one, enjoy!

[jsklair]

I did the dipstick test, and I couldn't sense any discernible change in the juddering.

Does that mean it's most likely the PCV?

Regarding the coil-packs, I had them changed as part of the recall a couple of years ago.


What does everyone think I should do next?


BTW, the Paralympic Opening Ceremony was awesome! 

[jsklair]

Any opinions?


I'm going to pick up the PCV tomorrow from my local stealer; and have a bash at doing it myself.

I have a hammer, and a temper.  Should be easy.


But any advice would be appreciated.

[Tortaruga]

If the car didn't start to rough idle with the dipstick out it's most likely a failed PCV.

Here's a DIY replacement guide:

http://vagdrivers.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=40537

[h4rdy]

Any opinions?


I'm going to pick up the PCV tomorrow from my local stealer; and have a bash at doing it myself.

I have a hammer, and a temper.  Should be easy.


But any advice would be appreciated.

Use the hammer and temper first always works

Be careful removing the engine cover it breaks.

Dead easy though 4 TORX screws so make sure you have TORX bits and don't tighten too much as it strips the plastic.

Oh and make sure you have the correct revision for your car. N or P I think. P for later cars with the rear checkvalve.

If it doesn't work you have the wrong one.

[jsklair]

If the car didn't start to rough idle with the dipstick out it's most likely a failed PCV.

The car was already rough idling.  Taking the dipstick out made no change.

Is that the same?

Oh and make sure you have the correct revision for your car. N or P I think. P for later cars with the rear checkvalve.

If it doesn't work you have the wrong one.

Thanks for this H4rdy, but it's all a bit Greek to me.  I have a 2005 car.  Does the PCV come as either a "N" or a "P"?

No idea about the rear checkvalve. Anyway for me to check?

Thanks to you all for your help thus far! 

[SteveS]

I have exactly the same problem.

I bought a REV N PCV and will be replacing it this weekend (i hope) £32 delivered

[jsklair]

I have exactly the same problem.

I bought a REV N PCV and will be replacing it this weekend (i hope) £32 delivered

Hey Steve, how did you know you needed an "N"?

And where did you order it from?  Cheers.

[Saintsteve]

your dealer will sell you the compatible Revision... I think it should be N for your K03 . It now has 2 check valves in the housing rather then the one only previously. Rev P is for the later cars.

[jsklair]

your dealer will sell you the compatible Revision... I think it should be N for your K03 . It now has 2 check valves in the housing rather then the one only previously. Rev P is for the later cars.

Cheers.

Should I buy the gasket and hoses too as a matter of course?  Or only if they are worn?