charles 200TQ

A few months ago, I had a problem with my 200 quattro idling and it would constantly die and not start for at least a half hour. I replaced the breather hose ( which I found had a hole in it) and then the car ran great for a few months. Now it is starting again and the breather hose has no problems. I can start the car right after it dies this time though. I sprayed the ISV out with carb-cleaner as someone once recommended but it did nothing. Is there any alternative solution to a new ISV or is there a possible problem elsewhere?

sagjohnson

I'm no expert, but you may need to spend some time tracking every hose in your engine bay for loose connections. This same symptom happened to me once and it turned out there was a large vacuum hose disconnected down by the block (driver's side of the block). I know you are looking for more specific help than this, but that's the best I can do. Check wires, hoses, fuses, air filter, air plenum boot, etc.

sk88erguy

to check for vacuum leak take of the oil cap while running engine and if it chokes and comes back to life yo have no problem, but if nothing happens you have a leak.

SteveJ_in_TX

1. Michelin Man hose - is it a new one or a junkyard/marginal one?

2. The three way hose on the top of the valve cover, it likes to crack on the bottom so you dont suspect it.

3. Valve cover gasket - if it is cork, then thats your leak. Replace with the factory rubber one.

4. Crankcase breather hose - I posted a pic of a rotted one a while ago, if it's rotted/old/yucky then that may be the one. If it feels soft or spongy (the hose, darnit, the HOSE!) it is old and the crankcase fumes are eating away at the inside of the rubber hose.

5. Check your wallet for money - these cars know when you get some extra cabbage and will try to squeeze new parts out of you by running rough.

Good luck!

MrEd

run with the oil cap off, it would seem to me that because these are sealed engines, any vacuum leak any where would cause problems.

Cheers