Old VW antics

[littlepolo]

Just before the xmas holiday I replaced the n/s side light with a long life bulb. It has failed and needs investigation.

[littlepolo]

48mpg recorded on the previous tankful. 70/30 highway/urban. Surprising in consideration of the low temps we have been experiencing.

[littlepolo]

During recent very wet weather on starting from cold DTC 17584 appeared. The reader also showed 18049 which has been indicated for some time, I guess, since the A/C has no pressure. I had noticed earlier that during very wet weather the engine is a bit rough when starting from cold, with a slight misfire and what seems like hunting. One of the ignition coils has a slightly damaged connector and I intended to swap that out. I'll reset the code and see how it goes.

[littlepolo]

I've reset the DTCs and the engine check light has not yet returned. I suppose I should scan to see if the code has returned. Otherwise, I noticed that fuel consumption had increased. I'm hoping that will return to the very good 44-48mpg I'm achieving.

[littlepolo]

Thankfully, DTC 17584 has not returned. I calculated the mpg at 36.5 (urban 100%) and would have expected at least 40 and nearer 44 if all was well. I've driven the Polo for over 100,000 miles now and notice how the fuel gauge moves. I put the battery on a smart charge and noticed it was down on voltage. I'm wondering if that might have contributed to the DTC occurring along with the very damp weather. With the battery charged, and the DTC cleared, the Polo runs much smoother. I feel it's back on track with mpg. I'll swap out the ignition coil with the dodgy connector for a good one when the fine weather arrives. Another job coming up is cambelt/waterpump/coolant. I have an INA cambelt kit and Febi waterpump at hand.

[littlepolo]

Back at 45mpg with no DTCs other than the A/C. I added a top up can to the A/C with a leak detector but could not see any indications of a leak. The pressure has dropped again so no A/C. Not sure if it's worth a proper regas - it might last a while longer though before losing pressure.

I fitted a new Varta battery after the previous Bosch AGM battery failed after winter (it didn't last long)

[RUM4MO]

Bosch AGM failed early, not good, I still have the new Bosch AGM that I bought for my wife's 2015 Polo - just before Brexit hit us, just in case supplies became trickier and more costly - that was a complete double or treble fail as battery supplies continued as before, prices did not rise much - and that 2015 Polo's factory fitted Exide EFB (Stop/Start) is still looking okay!

AC - yes, a new Nissens condenser and all required seals is still resting in the attic - and that car still only lasts 6 weeks after a re-charge, I really really should get it looked at by a proper mobile car AC person, I still think that it will end up being the evaporator - and that will be annoying to replace. To compound my errors, I bought a used main fridge pipe from a breaker - but somehow managed to convince myself that it was the HP side pipe that I needed, when I had previously worked out that it was the LP or suction side pipe that might be leaking under certain conditions - oh bother, just something else to store in the airing cupboard!

[littlepolo]

I read somewhere that Bosch and Varta batteries are made in the same factory, though I don't know if that is true or pertains to a particular location.

I replaced an old Varta that appeared to have failed in my other vehicle last year and eventually was able to get some life out it after putting it on a repair charge with an electronically controlled charger. I keep it as a backup.

I have a UV torch somewhere so will have another check for leak indications before the fine weather and light evenings arrive.

As for mpg, I achieved 40mpg on purely local driving (short runs) moving stuff during the recent cold spell. I've just recorded 48.25mpg after some long runs so it seems the fuel trims have sorted things out after the replacement battery/ECU reset.

On checking the oil at the weekend (still using Mannol 0W40) I noticed that the coolant level in the expansion tank was low with some indications of leakage below. I traced this to the return pipe. I tired resetting the clamp, hoping it would pinch up a bit more but no luck. I was reluctant to remove the pipe to check for a crack in the pipe fitting so I pushed the hose on further and fitted a jubilee clip after the clamp and right up against the tank. This seems to have stemmed the leak for now.

With the Polo coming up to 22 years old this Sept I'm wondering if the return hose has simply aged and broken down. There is no movement of the fitting to suggest that the pipe fitting on the tank has cracked but I guess there could be a fracture. A replacement expansion tank (Febi) is around £13 and the hose £30.

The cam belt assy and water pump is due a change on mileage and is a bit over on time. I can see no concerns with the condition of the belts but will probably get on with the work as soon as the weather permits. I will do an inspection of all coolant hoses at the time and replace anything remotely suspect as I don't want to have to do unplanned work.

The other main task over summer is to clean up the rear crossbeam and apply anti-rust treatment as the plastic(?) coating is coming away.

The drivers door sticks so I plan to have a look at that too.