Bullwinkle668

About a week ago, I noticed two things. 1. The coolant warning lamp came on - the reservoir was completely empty. 2. Some discoloured liquid had run from behind the dash onto the front/left floor. A week later, the coolant reservoir has come up empty again and there is still evidence of liquid running onto the carpet front/left floor. Obviously a coolant leak somewhere. Any suggestions regarding its source?

A faulty crank sensor can lead to the ecu receiving feedback outside of normal parameters. As a result, the ecu may prevent the car from starting.

My car did a similar thing. The problem first presented as intermittently turning over but not firing. Eventually, it wouldn't start at all. Apparently there is a power relay switch renowned at VW Service to stick. It was replaced in mine and works fine. Recommend taking it to a VW Service Centre for full diagnostics. These engines are full of sensors that will prevent starting if they sense something is amiss. I know here in Australia, VW Service costs an arm and a leg but I would still recommend it for something as difficult as this to pin down.

Thanx. The Aussie distributor stated the 8mm won't fit so recommended I go for 7mm Electrosport leads. Perhaps that is why they made such a suggestion.

Yesterday had a wide oval resonator fitted where the "suitcase muffler" used to be. Fantastic! Maintains free exhaling, nice note externally, no droning inside cabin, and at a cost of AU$110. Currently shopping for a set of Magnecor (used in Australian Super V8 Touring Car Racing) plug leads and a new set of Bosch quad plugs (will stay away from platinum as they seem to be very temperamental). Have prices for most of my objectives - just a matter of fitting them over time.

1. 1975 Ford Cortina TD powered by Aussie made 4.1 in-line 6 with chrome 12-slot wheels, lowered susp, extractors, and 3" exhaust system (It was stolen and recovered three times in the fourteen months I owned it!) 2. 1984 Toyota Corolla powered by 1600 16V fuel injected twin cam. (Loved this car and deeply saddened at its sale). 3. 1994 Volkswagen Golf III VR6... in heavenly bliss.

BTW... the cone is in the upper part of the air box. Web search for "de-cone" and "VR6" - you will find instructions on how to remove it - RECOMMENDED.

Yes first phase done.... 1. Removed cone and replaced air filter with K&N panel filter. big difference to acceleration - much smoother especially from 2000 - 3000 rpm. COST: AU$120. 2. Removed large "suitcase" muffler at mid-exhaust. Undoubtedly free-er flowing exhaust (that is one huge, heavy muffler), nice note externally. Internally it is a little loud from about 2500 rpm to 3000 rpm. Probably acceptable for most drivers but I would prefer a deeper, subdued note maybe about 25% quieter. COST: AU$90 - Will discuss options with my exhaust man, possibly a straight thru or offset sport muff

Yes first phase done.... 1. Removed cone and replaced air filter with K&N panel filter. big difference to acceleration - much smoother especially from 2000 - 3000 rpm. COST: AU$120. 2. Removed large "suitcase" muffler at mid-exhaust. Undoubtedly free-er flowing exhaust (that is one huge, heavy muffler), nice note externally. Internally it is a little loud from about 2500 rpm to 3000 rpm. Probably acceptable for most drivers but I would prefer a deeper, subdued note maybe about 25% quieter. COST: AU$90 - Will discuss options with my exhaust man, possibly a straight thru or offset sport muff

Anyone who knows me knows that I love my Golf III VR6 and I would love to mod it a little. They would also know that in my world I put my family first, then my car. So I embark on my crusade to find Golf tweaks that have little impact on the budget. OBJECTIVE: Improve my beloved Golf at minimal cost. This will include little technical changes and some minor repair/replacement (the car is ten years old!). I will post what I did, how much it cost, and the effects at each stage. Cheers.

I am reading about the process of installing a resistor that makes the air temp sensor read the air temp as lower than it really is. The consequence is the ECU then ups the fuel level slightly to compensate. This supposedly results in a power increase. Anyone heard or tried this?

Think BMC is a good choice. Certainly the most popular mod. Just need to find a dealer here in Oz. Anyone recommend a dealer who ships overseas?

Does anyone know what the carbon canister does???

Was looking at the BMC CDA last night. Not sure where that stands legally. Guess it can be justified as a covered filter. Sure the Guide on installation - is it much different when a/c is present? Also considered a bigger bore elbow - probably the leading contender idea at the moment as cost is neglible. Anyone tried this?

Played with the air intake a little - see thread on "Air Flow"