Problem with MK3 Golf...

[rebecca_231]

This morning whilst driving I noticed that when I take of in first gear, my car is constantly kangaroo hopping, and does the same in second gear aswell. 3rd gear is a little better, and 4th is relatively normal. The engine is also making a strange grinding noise and it doesn't seem to have any power. So I took it straight to the mechanic....and they are yet to contact me. Does anybody know what this may be....and is it going to cost a fortune to fix??

[rayray086]

Is the kangaroo hopping pretty violent during the lower gears? Can you see the revs jumping up and down with the kangaroo hopping? I have this happening to me and it's more than likely related to an electrical problem (or fuelling problem).

[rebecca_231]

I'd say it is fairly violent. I can still rev the car whilst in nuetral, its only when the car is under load...

[DubSteve]

I would agree with Raymond, sounds like fuel is being cut, how much fuel do you have in your tank when you drive also it could be a blocked line

[rebecca_231]

I filled up to about half a tank yesterday

[DubSteve]

Just thought of something else maybe a possiblity of bad fuel, don't quote me just through some ideas thats all

[rayray086]

Yeah sounds like misfiring... same problem I was having. Sometimes my car would stall on idle too. The thing is, there is a number of parts that can be contributing to the misfiring. Most common though in these cars is the electrical system, anywhere from your ignition to the spark plugs.

However the problem with mine was the crank angle sensor, which is in front of the engine and is connected between the oil sump and distributor. It's a very hot area to be in and the wire insulation can disintegrate after years of running, causing the bare wires to cause a short. This in turn could lead to the car running sh*t-as when warm, but fine when cold. Does yours run fine when cold?

[Golfer]

I always ran my Mk3 on 98RON, but when i gave it to my sister, she started putting <gulp> 91RON in her!!!

Subsequently, she started complaining about the car "kangaroo-hopping" as you describe Rebecca...

I ran some Injector cleaner and fuel conditioner (Lucas) through the system, and make her run 98 in it, and problem fixed! I can't say it'd work for all Mk3's with such problems, but it worked for my Bjehlo!!!

Cheers!
JHN

[DVR68U]

also check your engine mounts while your in there.
cheers brenton