VW Polo 1.2 E petrol - VW Polo 52 sooting up one cylinder

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
View Threaded
Wed 22 Oct 2014 23:30
VW Polo 1.2 E petrol - VW Polo 52 sooting up one cylinder - ulysses

Hi!

Within the first year of owning my then 10 year old polo I had to replace a pencil coil. Then it started running rough, using a lot of oil and I noticed a breather valve was flattened so replaced it. The EML came on and so I took it to a garage who said it was not leaking oil, most likely burning it up, but it was out of their depth so I took it to VW. VW replaced the crankcase oil breather and gave the all clear. EML came back on and VW said (on quick free check) one spark plug (I think no 1 or 3) was sooting up instantly when replaced, probably caused by damaged cylinder so it needs a new engine.

I read about the cam chain slipping being a common fault, linked with the oil. Could this cause it to burn oil and misfire? The previous owner was not a careful driver and may never have checked the oil as she relied on her mechanic uncle who serviced it once a year :(

It has run for another year with me topping up the oil and changing the spark plugs only once and passing it's MOT. Then it started running rougher so I changed the plugs, oil and oil filter which was dirty and it's not made as much difference as before. Is there hope that it might just need the cam chain adjusting and it is worth keeping?

Anyone's experience on this car would be helpful, thanks!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 23 Oct 2014 00:00
VW Polo 1.2 E petrol - VW Polo 52 sooting up one cylinder - The-Mechanic

First things first. The cam chain is not adjustable, if it's stretched, it needs replacing. However, I don't think this is your problem. It's common on these 3 cylinder engines for the exhaust valves to burn out causing a loss of compression on one or more cylinders, hence the misfire and the plug(s) sooting up due to the incomplete burn of the combustion charge.

I'd suggest getting a compression test, cylinder leakage test and cylinder balance check done first. If any discrepancies are found, the head will need to come off for checking and hopefully, just one or two valves replacing. Worst case scenario is the valve seats being burnt out, but even these can be replaced by a specialist which most garages use as a sub contractor in cases as this.

Get the checks done and some kind of estimate to the total cost of repair before deciding on the cars fate.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 23 Oct 2014 00:18
VW Polo 1.2 E petrol - VW Polo 52 sooting up one cylinder - elekie&a/c doctor
Totally agree with Mr Mech.These engines are the kiss of death and at this age not worth fixing.Time to say farewell,me thinks.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Thu 23 Oct 2014 00:39
VW Polo 1.2 E petrol - VW Polo 52 sooting up one cylinder - ulysses

Thanks for your quick and helpful reply. How much should the tests and removing the head cost?

Do you think someone would buy it to do up? Perhaps having the tests done would help with selling. Would I get much part ex?

Which small cars do you recommend for reliability?

Cheers!

Reply | Report as offensive | Link

We give you the low down on how to save on insurance, little-known tricks and tips, what insurance groups mean and how to use insurance aggregators to beat insurers.

Insurance group finder and how to save on insurance

Looking for a garage you can trust? Honest John's Good Garage Guide has thousands of reader recommended garages, plus how-to guides and tips on servicing.

The Good Garage Guide