MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: mycarnowork on July 16, 2017, 12:45:35 pm

Title: Low oil pressure
Post by: mycarnowork on July 16, 2017, 12:45:35 pm
Right, first post and it's about my broken car. I've had my 2005 mk5 golf gti for 4 months and it's been running fine. Thursday on way to work low oil pressure light come up saying stop car. I was on a busy dual carriage way so it was not safe to stop. It was probably 2-3 minutes I kept driving when I saw a off road for a small farm road so pulled in. Car engine cut out just before I pulled in. I had car towed to my house. Recovery guy suggested it could be the pressure switch. I have replaced that(which was an c**t to get to). Car refuses to start now.

I'm not sure how to proceed now as modern electrics makes fault finding a little more difficult. I have a question. If say the wiring for the pressure switch was faulty would that stop the car starting? When the car cut out do you think that the car electronics cut the engine as a safety measure?

I'll probably end up having to get a mobile mechanic or have it towed to a garage to diagnose but would like to hear any ideas what problem could be?

Thanks in advance.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: mycarnowork on July 16, 2017, 08:08:32 pm
Any recommendations of garages in Derby?
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Pesky jones on July 18, 2017, 10:59:39 pm
Can you turn the engine over by hand at the crankshaft? It's a 19mm 12pt socket and quite easy to get to. Just need drivers side wheel arch off. Hopefully the engine isnt seized.

You need to scan for fault codes. But it's not looking good I'm afraid. I had the exact same thing happen, and it was my cam chain that snapped. Not saying yours has, but for the engine to cut out and refuse to turn on again, that's bad news unfrotunately
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Paradox1 on July 19, 2017, 08:56:06 am
If your capable with your car, id try getting the car towed home. if not get it towed to a garage.
the first thing i would try is a changing the pick-up pipe.

drop the sum and change the oil sucker. if not that then maybe the oil pump which is quite expensive. about 500 last I heard
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: lukemk5gti on July 19, 2017, 09:09:35 am
If your capable with your car, id try getting the car towed home. if not get it towed to a garage.
the first thing i would try is a changing the pick-up pipe.

drop the sum and change the oil sucker. if not that then maybe the oil pump which is quite expensive. about 500 last I heard

I originally thought this but as peskyjones pointed out, if the car won't start at all it's quite possibly something more sinister i.e. chain

Would agree though to drop sump and check out the pipe. There's also 2 sensors on the sump and not just the 1 correct?
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Paradox1 on July 19, 2017, 09:31:13 am
Hmmm,

I only have 1 which is oil level sensor. If that is faulty it will just say oil low all the time.

No harm in changing the pick up pipe anyway. Also get a compression test done.try to eliminate the issue. Think its a garage job to be honest.
Hope you get it sorted soon
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: lukemk5gti on July 19, 2017, 10:20:55 am
Hmmm,

I only have 1 which is oil level sensor. If that is faulty it will just say oil low all the time.

No harm in changing the pick up pipe anyway. Also get a compression test done.try to eliminate the issue. Think its a garage job to be honest.
Hope you get it sorted soon

Think I remember it being oil level sensor and oil pressure sensor?

My buddy recently had a similar issue and got a new engine which needed both replaced.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: OEM+ DUB on July 19, 2017, 10:47:56 am
Any recommendations of garages in Derby?

Hi there

Sorry to hear you are having issues with your motor.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Stoney Cross Garage in Spondon (www.stoneycrossgarage.co.uk).  The owner Martin has a great set up there, is honest and open and easy to talk to.  He also has a real soft spot for a GTI...

Hope this helps
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: mycarnowork on July 21, 2017, 04:22:02 pm
Any recommendations of garages in Derby?

Hi there

Sorry to hear you are having issues with your motor.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Stoney Cross Garage in Spondon (www.stoneycrossgarage.co.uk).  The owner Martin has a great set up there, is honest and open and easy to talk to.  He also has a real soft spot for a GTI...

Hope this helps

Thanks for that. Someone is going to look at the car sunday but if they can't do any thing I phone that garage up.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: mycarnowork on July 21, 2017, 07:13:59 pm
Can you turn the engine over by hand at the crankshaft? It's a 19mm 12pt socket and quite easy to get to. Just need drivers side wheel arch off. Hopefully the engine isnt seized.

You need to scan for fault codes. But it's not looking good I'm afraid. I had the exact same thing happen, and it was my cam chain that snapped. Not saying yours has, but for the engine to cut out and refuse to turn on again, that's bad news unfrotunately

The engine turns over with the starter but doesn't start. It has a cambelt and I have removed the inspection cover and the belts looks in one piece.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Pesky jones on July 22, 2017, 01:50:18 pm
Can you turn the engine over by hand at the crankshaft? It's a 19mm 12pt socket and quite easy to get to. Just need drivers side wheel arch off. Hopefully the engine isnt seized.

You need to scan for fault codes. But it's not looking good I'm afraid. I had the exact same thing happen, and it was my cam chain that snapped. Not saying yours has, but for the engine to cut out and refuse to turn on again, that's bad news unfrotunately

The engine turns over with the starter but doesn't start. It has a cambelt and I have removed the inspection cover and the belts looks in one piece.

It also has a cam chain. The cam belt links the crankshaft to the exhaust cam shaft. The cam chain, on the otherside of the head, links the inlet camshaft to exhaust camshaft.

Id have the rocker cover, and in turn the cam chain cover off to have a look at the condition up there.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: mycarnowork on July 22, 2017, 09:10:33 pm
Can you turn the engine over by hand at the crankshaft? It's a 19mm 12pt socket and quite easy to get to. Just need drivers side wheel arch off. Hopefully the engine isnt seized.

You need to scan for fault codes. But it's not looking good I'm afraid. I had the exact same thing happen, and it was my cam chain that snapped. Not saying yours has, but for the engine to cut out and refuse to turn on again, that's bad news unfrotunately


The engine turns over with the starter but doesn't start. It has a cambelt and I have removed the inspection cover and the belts looks in one piece.


It also has a cam chain. The cam belt links the crankshaft to the exhaust cam shaft. The cam chain, on the otherside of the head, links the inlet camshaft to exhaust camshaft.

Id have the rocker cover, and in turn the cam chain cover off to have a look at the condition up there.

Yes thanks for that. I've been watching a few youtube video's and see it does have both. I give it a check when I get chance.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: mycarnowork on July 23, 2017, 11:24:41 am
Can you turn the engine over by hand at the crankshaft? It's a 19mm 12pt socket and quite easy to get to. Just need drivers side wheel arch off. Hopefully the engine isnt seized.

You need to scan for fault codes. But it's not looking good I'm afraid. I had the exact same thing happen, and it was my cam chain that snapped. Not saying yours has, but for the engine to cut out and refuse to turn on again, that's bad news unfrotunately

The engine turns over with the starter but doesn't start. It has a cambelt and I have removed the inspection cover and the belts looks in one piece.

It also has a cam chain. The cam belt links the crankshaft to the exhaust cam shaft. The cam chain, on the otherside of the head, links the inlet camshaft to exhaust camshaft.

Id have the rocker cover, and in turn the cam chain cover off to have a look at the condition up there.

You were right. I had someone have a look this morning and camshaft was not turning. I'll just have to see what the damage is.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: andy1979uk on July 24, 2017, 01:21:50 pm
Oil pump failure due to either slipped drive chain or blocked pickup pipe would be my guess.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: mycarnowork on September 03, 2017, 06:56:19 pm
Finally got the head off. It's taken me a while because I have a bike for transport so was in no rush. Been using online guides to help me. This sites been awesome http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Volkswagen_Golf_GTI_Mk_V/VW_GTI_Mark_V_Tech.htm Best repair guide I have ever seen.

Initially I thought I got lucky as it looked like the valves were good but I have turned the head over and left a pool of brake cleaner over all the valve with spark plugs still in. I left it a few hours and the brake cleaner drained through. Also I have notice a cut out that I don't think is meant to be there and looks like it's damaged. In the pic it is on the intake camshaft side on the right hand top  side of the engine were the cam chain would be.

I have found a refurb company.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Volkswagen-Golf-2-0-GTI-Petrol-16V-Cylinder-Head-Recondioning-Services/263046078776?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

Unless anyone can recommend anyone in Derbyshire. What do you think about the head damage?

I did take a picture but can't figure out how to load it on this post?
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Pesky jones on September 03, 2017, 07:18:21 pm
Cant comment on any decent garages, but well done in getting to where you are. Pelicanparts is brilliant, so so usefull and its a great resource. I agree, one of the best websites for guides available.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: mycarnowork on September 03, 2017, 09:03:57 pm
Cant comment on any decent garages, but well done in getting to where you are. Pelicanparts is brilliant, so so usefull and its a great resource. I agree, one of the best websites for guides available.

Without that website I think I would have struggled.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Pesky jones on September 03, 2017, 11:54:23 pm
Quick question, you say when you did the leak down test that you left the fluid for a couple of hours. If it didn't leak straight away, that must have been a tiny tiny hole, no?
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: pudding on September 04, 2017, 04:46:09 pm
Pelicanparts is OK, but often missing some of the finer details and torque specs.

I find http://workshop-manuals.com is far better in that respect, but kudos to anyone who goes to the trouble of creating and maintaining such websites for free.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Pesky jones on September 04, 2017, 05:06:15 pm
That looks good pudding, what I like about Pelicanparts is how easy it is to navigate and the pictures highlighting elements with arrows.

Ive seen that workshop manual before - but never tried to use it. Just tried now, and selected mk2 seat leon and its giving me manuals for what appears to be a completely different car :laugh:
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: mycarnowork on September 05, 2017, 06:08:43 pm
Quick question, you say when you did the leak down test that you left the fluid for a couple of hours. If it didn't leak straight away, that must have been a tiny tiny hole, no?

I didn't leak straight away no.

Anyway I have left it with http://www.manxengines.co.uk/home.html

They'll pressure test it and do what work it needs. The bit I though might be damage was fine and meant to be there I just wasn't sure myself.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Pesky jones on September 06, 2017, 12:00:00 am
Quick question, you say when you did the leak down test that you left the fluid for a couple of hours. If it didn't leak straight away, that must have been a tiny tiny hole, no?

I didn't leak straight away no.

Anyway I have left it with http://www.manxengines.co.uk/home.html

They'll pressure test it and do what work it needs. The bit I though might be damage was fine and meant to be there I just wasn't sure myself.

Good to hear pal.

What I meant was that if that it took hours for it to leak, then the gap/s must have been tiny. Does a gap that tiny make a difference to compression?
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: pudding on September 06, 2017, 09:15:26 am
That looks good pudding, what I like about Pelicanparts is how easy it is to navigate and the pictures highlighting elements with arrows.

Ive seen that workshop manual before - but never tried to use it. Just tried now, and selected mk2 seat leon and its giving me manuals for what appears to be a completely different car :laugh:

I know what you mean, it's not the easiest or best laid out site! 

But to give you an idea how incredibly useful it is, on this link, at the bottom - it clearly gives all of the torque specs and detail about the different styles of driveshaft bolt - http://workshop-manuals.com/volkswagen/golf-mk5/running_gear_axles_steering/front_suspension_drive_shafts/assembly_overview_suspension_strut/removing_and_installing_suspension_strut_golf/

So if you'd bought bolt type A and torqued it to B's specs.....hmmmm, not good!
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Pesky jones on September 06, 2017, 09:17:30 am
Jeez. Thats some difference. I didnt know it had torque figures initially. Having a further look round, it is indeed a great resource! It is much more indepth in terms of technical information.  I still like my pretty pictures.
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: pudding on September 06, 2017, 09:38:45 am
I do too, but sometimes I just need hard data when stuck in the middle of a job  :smiley:

I don't think VW use the ribbed bolt anymore btw.  The last 3 sets I've ordered over the last few years have all been the smooth type.  I always prefer ribbed for pleasure personally, less torque needed!
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: Pesky jones on September 06, 2017, 09:50:53 am
I do too, but sometimes I just need hard data when stuck in the middle of a job  :smiley:
True, and im actually going to be using this website now for the next job im doing  :happy2:

I don't think VW use the ribbed bolt anymore btw.  The last 3 sets I've ordered over the last few years have all been the smooth type.  I always prefer ribbed for pleasure personally, less torque needed!

Agreed, you definitely dont want it to snap
Title: Re: Low oil pressure
Post by: mycarnowork on September 10, 2017, 03:51:01 pm
The sump is off. I've taken the pick up pipe off and cleaned it out. There were some bits in in and possibly a tiny bit of the camchain tensioner but did not look too bad. I've already removed the oil filter several weeks ago which looked very bad. 

What should I be looking for on the pump. I can't see anything obvious and would rather not remove it from the car. The balance shafts don't feel loose.

I've found some guides to remove it and they say cambelt does not need to be removed so if I put the car back together if there is still an oil pressure problem I can take another look. Just waiting for the gaskets and belt to arrive from the postman.