[Engine] 2004 1.9 erratic idle, poor acceleration

[Agri_Yuppie]

Hi my 2004 1.9 DW engined partner has developed a new problems. When idling the revs do not stay consistent. Varying by about 100rpm, continously.  When you try to drive acceleration is poor and you struggle to build up speed. It seems that the harder you press throttle, The more it bogs down. If you rev it when stationary. It seems to hold its power. Any ideas what could be causing the issues Please, before I tear my hair out. ( I had a spare MAF sensor, changed that, with no joy)

[Agri_Yuppie]

Well the more I ponder the problem, it has to be down to either air getting into the fuel system or a valve / sensor somewhere malfunctioning. I seem to be getting air in the filter housing, as sometimes it cuts out after running for a couple of minutes. Will only restart after priming Diesel system up. Could it be worth changing filter housing assembly ? I wonder about the quick release pipe fittings ? Had them give trouble on other vehicles.

[Sol]

Sounds about right, you need to pin down any leaks or air ingress before anything else and the fuel filter housing is a known problem spot. Has it been disturbed or replaced?

I've not messed about with the quick release fittings but I expect they have O-rings and yours could be perished with age or nicked / chipped / distorted. Not sure what can be done with those, one of our other members may know, such as @jj9, @oilyrag, @saskak and others (apologies to those I missed out - memory for usernames not as good as it once was!)

[jj9]

That could well be air causing the problem.

As Zion has mentioned I'm sure the filter housing on the 1.9d has caused problems for other members so worth giving that a good looking at.

The injector leak off pipes are also a known cause of air ingress, these are the small pipes that link from each fuel injector.

This video may help you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYjev4ea_aU

.

[Agri_Yuppie]

Sounds about right, you need to pin down any leaks or air ingress before anything else and the fuel filter housing is a known problem spot. Has it been disturbed or replaced?

I've not messed about with the quick release fittings but I expect they have O-rings and yours could be perished with age or nicked / chipped / distorted. Not sure what can be done with those, one of our other members may know, such as @jj9, @oilyrag, @saskak and others (apologies to those I missed out - memory for usernames not as good as it once was!)

Thanks for your help. I am going to investigate the fuel filter housing and pipework.  Gathering a few bits together first. Going to fit a non return valve in feed pipe for good measure.  Just need time to do it. 
The fuel filter housing was last disturbed a couple of months ago, for a routine filter change. I have had the rubber seals develop a split, on the quick release couplings, on another vehicle.

[Agri_Yuppie]

That could well be air causing the problem.

As Zion has mentioned I'm sure the filter housing on the 1.9d has caused problems for other members so worth giving that a good looking at.

The injector leak off pipes are also a known cause of air ingress, these are the small pipes that link from each fuel injector.

This video may help you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KYjev4ea_aU

.Thanks for your help. Yes I am thinking about  replacing  filter housing.  As new ones are not too expensive on Internet auction site. That's a very interesting video. Never thought about a potential leak there. Another thing to investigate. Have had the inlet pipe system off before (trying to reseal the rocker cover, on a annual basis )

[Agri_Yuppie]

Update...... I have changed fuel lines from inlet joint above timing cover , through to the pump. Including filter housing assembly. Bled her up. She starts better, but still does the same poor running performance. Driving is just as horrendous ? scratching my head now and rather perplexed ?? any ideas please ?

[jj9]

Does the pipes that you changed include all of the injector leak off pipes (fuel return) ?

There could be other reasons for the poor running like the EGR valve or worn injectors, it may be better to let a good independent garage take a look at the car as you could be changing parts that don't need changing.

.

[geoff]

Check vac pipes for EGR not damaged / leaking

[Agri_Yuppie]

Well an update on the situation. I managed to get it checked on a suitable diagnostic set up.
Its throwing up the code P0170 injection Begin control. Googling this, throws up a myriad of potential causes ? It puts check engine light on at times.....
Any ideas please folks ?