eratic idle and arcing

[2tonetsi]

hey guy's new to this site. just bought this car a 1990 tsi . having problems with it if any one can help please do. well this is what is happening the idle goes up and down and every show often i hear popping or like its arcing in the plug chambers. played with the idle screw and it did not do anything. can any please help me going to pull my hair out soon.

thank you

 

[Quasimondo]

Your plug wires are probably in very bad shape if it's enough to cause arcing in the spark plug wells. If you can confirm that there is arcing down there, the first thing you should do is replace those plug wires.

While you're at it, you probably should do a complete tuneup of the car as well, belts, hoses (if necessary), pcv valve, etc. Do you know when was the last time the timing belt was replaced?

 

[MrBoxx]

Check for water or oil in the plug wells also. Fluids in there can increase the chances of arcing through the plug wires. Check this link for more information and some pictures of arc holes burned through spark plug wire boots. The faq mentions repairing the plug boots with RTV or similar sealant, but I would just replace the wires as a whole if this is the case.

 

[2tonetsi]

i changed the wire bosch and the plugs ngk last week, belts will be done when i change all the pulleys and seals. any thing else you guys can think off let me know.

nelson

 

[2tonetsi]

i fixed my problem it was the intake plenum gasket that leaking really bad. replaced it now car run so if any one has this problem check for an intake leak by putting a plastic bottle in the intake hose with lid and put a hole in it so you can put the end of the air blower tip in. then force a little air thru it and then put soapy water in the areas that you would think is leaking and look for bubbles or air leak.

p.s now my turbo is .