Strange Intermittent Idle Problem

[Kirbz252]

Hey guys I have a '96 Ibiza GTI and have noticed recently I'm getting a strange idle problem. I'll be sitting at the lights and the tacho starts jumping, and the idle becomes rough (like the engines trying to stall itself) and then moments later it goes away. I run the girl on 95 octane, and are currently running some injector cleaner through it to see if it fixes the problem.
I also have a cracked crankcase breather hose.

I see you recomend Magnatec Loon? Oh and BTW, im guilty as well, the car has 173k's on the clock and i dont rev her much past 3500. I feel like im gona break the poor thing.. I think she might have to see 5k tomorrow, as they do like to rev.

Lastly, the airbag light has been on for a while.. I think its the clockspring so im told. Do you have any spares lying around Matt?

Thanks guys
David

[Golf Loon]

I have clocksprings mate, no worries.

Id be putting in some 98 octane, checking the timing and going for a fang.

Also clean the ISV valve round tube thing with a couple of pipes and a wiring plug on top of the rocker cover. That can affect the idle.

[Kirbz252]

ok ill give that a shot tomorrow.. what are we looking at for a new clockspring?

[Golf Loon]

ok ill give that a shot tomorrow.. what are we looking at for a new clockspring?

$120. Free Postage ;)

[Rednut]

i have this same problem only i only put 98 in my tolly.. and i "occasionally" rise above the 3500 revs ;)

i still get the intermittent start with only 3 cyls too. tried reseating the plugs but thats about as far as my knowledge goes with it..

[Golf Loon]

i have this same problem only i only put 98 in my tolly.. and i "occasionally" rise above the 3500 revs ;)

i still get the intermittent start with only 3 cyls too. tried reseating the plugs but thats about as far as my knowledge goes with it..

Is it blowing smoke at this time? Might be the blue choke control sensor making it run rich till its warm. Very common and similar symptoms to what you are describing.
Matt

[Rednut]

nah no smoke.. the closest thing is the steam from the exhaust on 'camden' mornings ;)

[Jmac]

Guys clean the ISV valve . I soak it in petrol or shellite. The thing gets gummed up with carbon.
Jmac

[FarQ]

I have the same issue now, after the cylinder head was pressure tested (as i had a disappearing water problem), new water pump and newish injectors courtesy of Golf Loon :) (cleaned and tested). The idle seems rough, even though the rpm needle remains constant. And when i clutch in to stop, the rpm drops to almost stall before recovering (it also has stalled a few times as well). Will cleaning the ISV valve help? Also no smoke or oil leaks..thank god

[Rednut]

what and where is the isv valve?

loon, would i be capable of doing this or should i get my mechanic to do it while he replaces one of the radiator tubes?(leaking problem)

[Golf Loon]

The fact that you call it a radiator tube does not fill me with confidance ;)

Its on top of the rocker cover and has 3 wires going in and 2 hoses coming out. Easy really.