[mackuk]

On my 1996 b5 1.8t I have an unusual problem. First thing i noticed, when I went to start the car it didn't start first time. This is the first time this has happened since I got the car 8 months ago. On second attempt it did start, but ideled roughly for a couple of seconds then went back to normal idle.

When I drove the car it seamed a little sluggish, and I notice the bailey dump valve isn't makign quite as much noise as usual. It's still blowing, just each blow is quiter and a little shorter. My initial worry is the turbo wasn't boosting as usual, but this wouldent explain the bad starting.

This morning I went out and started the car, it was like normal, started first time idled like normal, let it tick over for a min or so then went for a drive, dump valve was sounding like normal, and you could hear the turbo winding up. On an a4 the wind up isn't that noticable, but I know what to listen for, within 10 mins later the boost seamed to drop again, if I realy drop the boot it goes like a train, lost of boost and good power, but low down the rev range is seams as if it's just not got the power it did have.

Makes me think it could be somethign non-turbo related, possible something as simple as plugs needign replaced, lack of power low down would stop the turbo gettign a propper spool, hence drop in boost. I will try and get some fault codes, need to get a cable though, I cant find my VAGcom cable anywhere. (just when I need it).

I also checked for leaks, either from boost or vaccum, nothign obvious.

Any other suggestions?

Mack.