Engine problems

[sirRhodes]

Hi I need a bit of help with my engine, basically when it is idling it doesn't sound to bad but after a minuite or so it ends up dropping to 500rpm, not sure if that is normal for a mk1, then it seriously struggles to build revs from idle, and then it will not rev about about 4000!
Does anybody have any suggestions?

[_Al_]

I'm no expert on the mk1 but it sounds like an air leak or the air flow metre?

[sirRhodes]

ok cheers, any idea how I could check that?
It also is quite reluctant to start and you have to push the throttle a bit to get it going otherwise it will start for a second and then stall

[_Al_]

Again, not got much idea on these so don't know if you can check error codes..?

I'd start with checking connectors are on tight and listening for any sucking / whistling noises where there shouldn't be any.

Actually the easiest way would be to create your own air leak and see if that changes anything. Pop the oil filler cap off (not right off or you'll spray oil everywhere) and see if it's any different.

If it does look like an air leak then check the dipstick is in tight and move on to look for perished hoses etc..

[sirRhodes]

ok cheers, I'll check for the unusual noises ...