Stuck with a misfire. Don't know what to do now :(

[TheyCallMeTJ]

Well. I'm new to this forum and new to the Leon 1.8 turbo.
Here's some general info on the vehicle I have.
It's a 2003 Leon 1.8 turbo. Stage 1 map with side mount inter cooler and forge dump valve and pipe work.
I only purchased the vehicle a couple of days ago! On my first drive it was fine. A few miles. The second drive started fine. Then all of a sudden it just misfired. And was running like a tractor. I got her home and read up and majority stated cool pack. So I purchased 4x coil. Not the cheap ones but the ones for this vehicle.
After installing the car once again ran with no issues. Drove the car on a 30 mile round trip and on the final 5 miles I felt it begin to misfire under load. More visible in 3rd gear when putting foot down from about 2k rpm.
I've recently moved location so I have no mechanic I know or trust in my area. Birmingham.
I don't want to change plugs yet until it's diagnosed properly. As reading up there's lots of possible causes.
Has anyone any idea of have resolved similiar issues?
I was told upon purchase that in hose linking the inter cooler was the wrong size and causes a slight drop in power now and then. Which I have felt and does not feel as it does now. It's definatly a misfire and not a bog down.
If anyone is local to me and could plug it in it would be great! I will pay for time etc. I just want it resolved so I can enjoy it!
I'm not clues up on turbos so dont like to tinker unless I'm aware of the issue!

Many thanks
Tom.

 

[TheyCallMeTJ]

I have just removed all 4 previous plugs and found they were cheap nasty champion plugs! There was nothing left of them. I've upgraded them to Bosch plugs. I know everyone says buy the ngk ones but I've always used Bosch plugs and never had any issues. I've just earned her up and took her for a drive. No noticeable misfire now so fingers crossed! I would still appreciate a enthusiast who may be local to come and give her a look over and advise me on what to do with my side mount intercooler. Still bogs down slightly and have never fitted inter coolers so I'd appreciate someone telling me what hoses should be linked up. Or if anyone can recommend a garage in my area. (Birmingham).

 

[mty12345]

Hi mate, welcome to the forum. Hopefully the plugs were your issue if they were that bad.

If the misfire comes back then It might be worth changing the fuel filter, they are only cheap and if blocked can starve the engine of fuel under heavy load or high revs.

 

[andycupra]

hi,

welcome to SCN.

well you beat me to it, i was going to say the main things are coils and spark plugs.
one question, - i am sure you have, but did you fit platinum plugs? if not id advise you do.

Intercooler pipework that leaks will just cause issues, so do take a look. the SMIC is located behind the front bumper / in front of the wheel arch liner on the off side. Basically in front of the offside wheel.

do you know what remap you have?

PS the fuel filter is located on the underside of the car in front of the rear offside wheel. but can be easily accessed with the side without jacking up. - learn how the clips come off before yanking at these. ) about £10 from memory. worth replacing as said for no other reason that they can get damaged and corrode a bit over time due to location .

 

[TheyCallMeTJ]

Cheers for reply. Yes they are platinum. 4 pronged ones aswell which I believe are better.
I don't know what remap it has. Ive just come from owning mondeo st220 to this! So it's a whole new ballgame!
To be honest I would now know where to start with inter coolers and maps etc! Hence why I need help! I owned a Octavia VRS with a full bam conversion also. But never had any issues or need to enquire about anything as ran great.
I've owned 40+ cars and this is only my second petrol turbo

 

[TheyCallMeTJ]

And thanks. I'll change the fuel filter tomorrow. Thanks for replys.
How do I discover what map it's had? Of is that not possible?

 

[mty12345]

Not really possible as far as i know mate.

 

[TheyCallMeTJ]

Also I want to purchase some boost guages. Any suggestions. And what work well. Digital or analogue I'm not fussed.

 

[mty12345]

Can't help you on that one mate, probably worth starting another thread as more people will see it.