Hi, my '02 1.6 petrol B6, just under 100,000 miles, has become very hard to start from cold. I turn the key and it fires and then dies. Have to do this about 4 times before it starts, then it hunts around 500-1,500 RPM for a few seconds before going to a smooth idle. If I let it run for about 1 or 2 min and turn off it will start first turn of the key. Fully warmed start is also OK.
Then on the road, it (sometimes) does not want to run below 3,000 RPM, push the throttle and it just hesitates for 2/3 seconds, like you ran out of petrol. At other times it will rev a lot more freely, but still some small hesitations. Once I get to 3k it goes well and sounds 'on song'. TBH, I'm not sure is this is a flat spot or a misfire, I'm not really sure of the difference (but more on that later).
There is no check engine light and a scan shows no codes (but my scanner is a really cheap one, 20 quid job).
I had a good look around visually and can't find anything. I did see a possible loose vacuum line going into the MAF and replaced that but no difference.
Background
Car has a history of running badly when it gets hot. Backfires and smoke. Always OK after it cools down. I learned to avoid this by turning on the heating when stuck in traffic - that keeps the temp down. That said the temp never goes above half way, but maybe a problem with the gauge.
Anyway, 3 weeks ago I was on my way to the NCT (our MOT in Ireland) and was stuck in traffic but I did my heater trick and thought it will be OK and it was fine when I left it in. It failed on emissions, off the scale bad. Got in and CEL was on, managed to limp home. Did a scan and got a misfire on cyl 1 (0301 IIRC). Plug was badly fouled (see pic).
I replaced the plugs and have had the problems I describe ever since. It did pass the NCT and emissions were well within limits.
To me, it's like it's not getting fuel, but if that was the case, it would be worse, not better at high revs?
Thanks!
Then on the road, it (sometimes) does not want to run below 3,000 RPM, push the throttle and it just hesitates for 2/3 seconds, like you ran out of petrol. At other times it will rev a lot more freely, but still some small hesitations. Once I get to 3k it goes well and sounds 'on song'. TBH, I'm not sure is this is a flat spot or a misfire, I'm not really sure of the difference (but more on that later).
There is no check engine light and a scan shows no codes (but my scanner is a really cheap one, 20 quid job).
I had a good look around visually and can't find anything. I did see a possible loose vacuum line going into the MAF and replaced that but no difference.
Background
Car has a history of running badly when it gets hot. Backfires and smoke. Always OK after it cools down. I learned to avoid this by turning on the heating when stuck in traffic - that keeps the temp down. That said the temp never goes above half way, but maybe a problem with the gauge.
Anyway, 3 weeks ago I was on my way to the NCT (our MOT in Ireland) and was stuck in traffic but I did my heater trick and thought it will be OK and it was fine when I left it in. It failed on emissions, off the scale bad. Got in and CEL was on, managed to limp home. Did a scan and got a misfire on cyl 1 (0301 IIRC). Plug was badly fouled (see pic).
I replaced the plugs and have had the problems I describe ever since. It did pass the NCT and emissions were well within limits.
To me, it's like it's not getting fuel, but if that was the case, it would be worse, not better at high revs?
Thanks!