Update time! I just picked up the car from the mechanic. I actually helped him this time, felt good!
I've had some stuff done that's not really needed, but made me feel better.
- New ignition cables (Beru ZEF 635, or Beru Number: "0300890635" Price cheapest in Germany is 198€, at
http://www.daparto.de/Teilenummernsuche/Beru/0300890635?categoryId=672&kbaTypeId=5176 - Thanks Christian)
The old cables were still OK, but some of the connectors had some issues. It looked like they'd been sparkin' the wrong way
The Beru cables seem to be a good choice. The cable lengths are spot-on, they feel good, the connectors look good, and best of all: half of the price of the OEM cables.
- New Insulator-caps-thingies (behind the distribution caps)
It seems there were two brands that got merged into one part number, we thought I might have Bosch caps with the "other" insulators. That wasn't the case, but they did show some impressive damage (i.e., blackish electrical damage on some bits).
- While testing, Cor started fiddling around and the engine stalled. There's a silly looking brown wire on top of the engine that goes directly into the
upper wiring harness. This wasn't soldered on properly. Oops.
- There's a fuel pressure regulator on the fuel lines with a hose into the eighth cylinder. This was leaking a tiny bit, possibly getting fuel directly into the intake manifold. This would cause that cylinder to receive more fuel, get compensated by the electronics, etc. Drama.
- Disconnected that bloody air pump. Needed to remove the headlight for that! Grrr!
- Replaced some vacuum hose rubbers. Seems to resolve a minor "woosh" when revving the engine (only when having your head near the engine).
Bottom line is that I *still* have the minor problem with the engine skipping a cylinder every 5-10 seconds when hot, but overall it's running much smoother. There's also a lot more power; a few tests gave that wondrous near-wheel-spin when shifting from 1st to 2nd, something it hasn't done for a long while. I also had an oddity while cruising ~50km/h, where I'd feel like the car was rocking forward and backward gently - especially on cruise control. This appears to be fully gone. Freeway speeds (in NL, unfortunately
) also feel more smooth. At 120km/h it's almost like the engine isn't there.
Best news of all is that there's nothing else really wrong with the car. No leaks, no burning oil, no indications that it's time for a belt-change, nothing. Well... Save for one thing: motor mounts... One day...
Oh, and they are quite positive about my electrical fans! Much of the work couldn't be done or would be harder with that damned fan shroud in the way. It's actually possible to DO SOMETHING in the engine bay now!!
Once again, thank you all for your input and suggestions.
Jelmer…it goes without mention, because this dusty piece of rubber, much like that cult-like worshipped Anhängerkupplung, is not.
Good source for those who want's to get rid off that pump.
Is that it ? A bloody t-stat? Jeez, after all that stressed it put you through, mate. I'm glad to hear that it's now fixed. That aftermarket one is a completely different design! I tell you sometimes these mechanics don't realise the pain they put us through.
