Quote:
Originally Posted by abaya
Well, the motor is never difficult to start, that's for sure. As for stalling at a stop... no, it never stalls, just doesn't get going real consistently. The motor never dies. If I'm going up any kind of incline, the whole car starts juddering pretty badly until I let up a little bit on the gas, and then it evens out a bit (but then has even less torque). But it always gets up the hill... just runs smoother when I'm not pressing the pedal down all the way. Hmm... does this provide any more info?
I thoroughly taped up the cracked part of the air filter cover, but have not noticed any change in performance.
So we're looking at 3 possibilities: O2, MAF, or clutch. You guys are saying I should unplug the MAF and see how it runs... even if that gives a CEL. And the O2, I have no idea about. Last case scenario will be a new clutch... those are a doozy, aren't they? My dad says it takes a long time for a clutch to finally wear out... any estimates on how much time I have left? (and what's the worst-case scenario when the clutch finally does fail, on the road?)
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It's a 97, right? Know anyone with an OBDII or a shop that will check it real quick for a min. amount? I travel with mine, I think I paid $69 for it. You plug it in under the dash and it'll likely tell you what is your problem.
I know a fair deal about old VW's, could give you the firing order and torque spec's on an old Bug off the top of my head. A Jetta? Nada.
Here's my thought's... as always I reserve the right to be completely wrong-
More then likely unplugging your MAF will do one of two things, kill your engine or make it run really rough. You could probably take the MAF out and clean it or check it for blockage. It will be right passed the air filter on the tubing to the intake. Probably a flat donut looking thing with about a four or five wire plug leading to it. Heck that plug connection could be loose. It should be removable with little effort and simply logic. Likely a hose clamp on each side or clips of some kind.
And yes it could be the O2 sensor. An OBDII would read out a code if this is your problem. Or you could just remove it and clean it with some carb cleaner. It will be between the exhaust manifold and the Cat. converter. It will have two, possible three wires leading to it and look a little like a spark plug. Taking this out will require some muscle. Anything on the exhaust line gets hot and the bolts et el can be difficult to remove. It can usually be done with a box end wrench and a some type of leverage (also known as a cheater bar or hammer) but some cars require a special crows foot type wrench. If you can remove it clean it by spraying the heck out of it with the carb cleaner and a wire brush, don't go at it too hard with the brush, then return it.
If your having clutch problems or fly wheel problems it's completely possible it will run another 5k or go out tomorrow. I don't think it sounds like this is your problem, but again, as always, I could be wrong.
Wish I could be of more help.