UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Cambelt, waterpump, etc. overdue for a change and cannot recall how I undid the crankshaft pulley stretch bolt last time. I have the locking bar and tried a long breaker bar with a 22mm 6 point socket to no avail. I think I might have hired an impact driver several years ago but not so easy to find ...

is hot starting an issue? coolant temp sensor sometimes causes issues.

Old Polos do weird things with the electrics. In this case, I'd check all ground connections around the body (especially where water ingress might have corroded ground straps, such as tailgate, lamps, drains...). IIRC there is a main ground strap under the battery box but if the fault is only BCM ...

The noise on my 1.4 BBY is also noticeable on the o/s. I purchased a stethoscope but have not yet used it to try and pinpoint the origin. I read that the teflon(?) coating can wear off the pistons and cause a knocking sound. Not sure if No 1 is more susceptible but that is definitely the side where ...

Is it worse in colder weather than warm? Less noticeable over 2000 rpm and under way? They all do it... See my earlier threads on this. Make sure you are using the correct oil. Provided no DTC codes and otherwise drives well learn to live with it. Mpg?

At 90K I swapped the head out for a 25K unit. That was due to a valve train issue and not valve stem seal wear. I'm at 140K now.

I'd expect a puff from the exhaust under acceleration/decel if the seals were worn. Others here have found issue with the breather and replaced it (a cheap part and not ...

That consumption is way over spec. If the exhaust is not billowing smoke sounds like the breather/trap assy rear of the engine block o/s. You could also have a look down the throttle body and breather pipes around there for any residue build up.

The auto box is a lifetime fill from new (no service schedule). Please see one of my other threads on my experience with it.

I did the same, but do not recall the throttle response ever being as the OP described. I'm very familiar with pinking on the BBY, and how it makes an appearance under load or in warmer conditions. Currently, I use an Ethanol booster which has taken care of that (it's cheaper than using premium fuel ...

It's easy to check the power steering fluid level in the reservoir behind/below the front n/s headlamp.

I'd do a TB alignment to rule it out.

Old Polo electrics can do very odd things too, but I've not heard of wayward throttle.

Was the steering wheel previously off centre at rest? Mine is slightly off centre as it needs to be moved one spline on the mount.

You did not mention the mileage or service history (dampers, bushes, etc.)

It sounds like something is loose or broken. You didn't mention if the steering was pulling ...

Suggest checking the DTC codes

Did you do the throttle body alignment/calibration using the VAG tools?

50.1mpg recorded over 220 miles (70/30 highway/local) without even trying. Aiming to achieve 55mpg over a long run this summer.