1.4HDi 16V big loss of power at times.

Hi everyone.

I'm a new C3 1.4HDi 16V owner. It's a 52 plate with 75000 miles on the clock. I bought it to use as a cheap run around but now looking deeper into the particular car i've got, not so sure it was a good purchase. I changed the oil (Total) oil, air and fuel filter (Bosch). I drove it for about 20 miles and noticed it starting hesitating and being low on power at the bottom end, but only very briefly. I also noticed that I was starting to get a bit of rattling/tapping under acceleration.

I then drove it for another 100 miles and all of a sudden I was getting long periods of low power (15-20 seconds) whilst doing 70mph on the motorway. It would then intermittently start pulling again, until it was back to normal ish power. you could still feel even when it wasn't having those big power changes that it still wasn't quite right.

One particular journey when I was going up a long, steep, windy road (Alps) it was an absolute nightmare to drive... There was barely any power at all below 2300 revs.

I have tried driving it with the MAF disconnected and it makes no difference.

I have also noticed there is white smoke coming out of the exhaust when it's cold (think that can probably be cleared with some good injector cleaner in the fuel tank)

I have read so many different stories about similar symptoms but don't really know where to start.... And it's made worse by the fact that the car is now in France. I'm heading back out there in 5 days and was hoping to take a bag of necessary tools/parts out with me to hopefully fix it.

AAAAAhhhh, HELP!

Rob

BobC3 wrote:I have read so many different stories about similar symptoms but don't really know where to start....

Hi BobC3

Since you have already tested the MAF,
I would start by blanking off the EGR, its quick and cheap - find the part by clicking here - for ebay. Remove the air filter box and slacken the EGR unit, but don't remove it. Slip the EGR plate in place and put it all back together.

The second thing, if that doesn't help is the turbo electrovalve. It controls the variable vanes on the turbo, if this gives trouble you don't get the boost you should. Follow this like to the lack of power on a 16v C3 HDi topic (here) and scroll down to the pictures to get an idea of where the valve is (take the air filter box out again).. You can still buy the turbo electrovavle from these sellers on ebay (here).

Both the EGR and Turbo electrovalves are run on the vacuum system, so its worth checking that is ok too.


The air filter box removed from a 1.4 16v HDi C3

Thanks so much for your reply.

I'll get a blanking plate and give it a try.

I thought both the turbo and egr solenoid valves were the same (Pierburg 1628ZT) for the 1.4 16v?

Are these normally the causes of the symptoms I have?

Cheers,
Rob

Yes, they are the same part number.

Have a look at the linked topic and may see some similarities to yours on another 1.4 16v diesel.

Both EGR and Turbo control have given trouble with power in the past, so these 2 get suggested first.

Lexia can diagnose most engine control faults , this is the lexia topic to read. But with the MAF tested, EGR blanked and turbo valve tested (or just changed), you have about 80 of the lack of power at times covered.

Thanks C3CAR,

I might consider getting Lexia, I looked at the write up which was very good but think I'd get a recommendation from you or other experienced guys before purchasing from a particular seller.... I think there are probably a lot of rubbish clones out there.

Having read more about the Delphi system, I'm panicking about injectors in the future. How easy is it to check the seating/tightness of the bolts on the injectors? (I heard this is a problem) And what other issues should I be aware of? How can I check for latest software on ECU?

If you were to recommend a C3 diesel, what year would you go for / when did the injection/ecu system change (improve)? The reason I ask is, my girlfriend really likes the car so we would probably want to buy another to replace her existing car - but would want a better chance of not getting stuck with a donkey!

Thanks so much for your help, It's a bit of a relief having people that really know the engine/car so well.

Rob

BobC3 wrote:I might consider getting Lexia, I looked at the write up which was very good but think I'd get a recommendation from you or other experienced guys before purchasing from a particular seller.... I think there are probably a lot of rubbish clones out there.

The biggest problem with lexia/diagbox is that people expect it to be a one-click install and it to be very easy to use. This is not the case and you will need to read and follow the install instructions and there is a learning curve on using the software.

A good seller feedback and seller reviews can help find the right one.

BobC3 wrote:Having read more about the Delphi system, I'm panicking about injectors in the future

Keep up the fuel filter servicing, its not difficult to do. Drain the water at each oil change and replace the filter when its due.

Its a HDF 939 Delphi filter, you can get them from this link to ebay or here euro car parts (fuel filter).

BobC3 wrote:How easy is it to check the seating/tightness of the bolts on the injectors?

With a torque wrench and a crows foot, there is a topic for the injectors (here) that may be of help there.

BobC3 wrote:And what other issues should I be aware of?

Do the servicing when it is due.

BobC3 wrote: How can I check for latest software on ECU?

With lexia, but don't change things that are not broken. Do you have a fault that is known to be cured by an update?

BobC3 wrote:If you were to recommend a C3 diesel, what year would you go for / when did the injection/ecu system change (improve)?

Did it improve? The older model couldn't meet the newer Euro emissions so it got dropped in around 2004.

I would go for a 2002 1.4 HDi 16v or the later 1.6 HDi 16v, depending on what year you want, but I suppose it will depend on why you want a car.

BobC3 wrote:The reason I ask is, my girlfriend really likes the car so we would probably want to buy another to replace her existing car - but would want a better chance of not getting stuck with a donkey!

Full service history, reputable seller, a HPI check from (here), the usual car buying checks.

BobC3 wrote:Thanks so much for your help, It's a bit of a relief having people that really know the engine/car so well.

Not a problem

Great, thanks very much for all the advice.. I will be careful with my lexia decision.

I have replaced my fuel filter with a Bosch rather than Delphi.. Could that be a problem?

Cheers,

Rob

BobC3 wrote:I have replaced my fuel filter with a Bosch rather than Delphi.. Could that be a problem?

No problem at all, a good brand is what you need so you can be sure its a quality part.