My can has been filling a lot recently due to condensation. I've emptied it 3 times in the last 6 weeks.
As some of you know I've been having a few minor issues with the car in the last couple of months. There has been a bit of a flat spot, a very high pitched whistle, and an inconsistent idle.
My mindset was starting to turn to the viewpoint that, another day, another peculiarity to deal with, but today after leaving work in Cheltenham I hooned over to Gloucester to see Forge.
The high pitched whistle had me sensing I had a bit of an air leak, as under full load there was a piercing whistle which only abated when you lifted from the gas pedal. Stop starting in traffic was a tad jerky too which was a tell tale sign.
My initial point of concern was the blanking cap provided by BSH for the catch can.
I asked the guys at Forge to spec me up a kit (as I'd seen it done by someone else - possibly on here).
Forge supplied:
1) 22-19mm reducer hose (black) - Part no. S22-19B @ £6.50 + VAT
2) Blanking Plug 20mm - Part no. FMTB052K20 @ £4.73 + VAT
3) 2 x No.30 Hose clamps - Part no. FMHC2230 @ £1.29 + VAT (Each)
I decided that as the hoses supplied by BSH to attach to the catch tank were also a bit weak (and possibly not oil resistant), I would also replace these with some new silicone hosing.
I purchased:
1) A 1 metre length of 16mm Straight Flouro-Silicone Hose (Black) - Part no. SH-16/FL_Black @ £34 + VAT
2) 4 x No.25 Hose clamps - Part no. FMHC1725 @ £1.25 + VAT each
TOTAL COST OF ALL PARTS: £58 (inc VAT)
All in all the guys were very helpful getting me sorted with the appropriate parts, and ensuring everything fitted and matched.
I'm pleased to report the idle is now improved in terms of the fact it sits solid. The car is also much smoother to drive and feels far more consistent on boost.
For those of you (like myself) who have purchased a BSH catch tank on the cheap group buy on Mk5 Golf GTi, these additions are money very well spent. To be honest I've not been that impressed by the BSH catch tank with respect to the outright quality of ancillary components it's supplied with. It's functional but certainly not exceptional. If I had my time again I'd buy the Forge one (take note if you are thinking of buying one).
Whilst the rev counter sits solid, I still have a slight shuddery burble at idle, and so I decided to rip the plugs out the other day and check them. I have the Iridium 7's fitted (one step cooler), and they still looked ****** (they have only done 3k miles). It was recommended I try out an NGK Irdium 8 (BKR-8EIX) so I have these in now. The issue seems slightly more pronounced with these, but once the car is running its fine.
I also had the cam lobe out to check and replace, and it had got some quite pronounced wear in the inside, but then its running the HPFP so it is to be expected. The inlet cams showed no signs of any scoring so I'm fairly content with that.
I'm resigned to one of 4 things:
1) Coil packs may be weak
2) Injector spray pattern may not be 100%
3) Maybe I need to switch to aftermarket DP & cats (Dependent on how long I keep the car)
4) Maybe the valves have coked up (I'm planning to have the head bore scoped soon)
It doesn't affect anything other than idle, she still goes very well, so I can't complain.