BLT Engine Hesitation Fix
Figure 1: 9mm (original) and 25mm (new) gaskets compared
Figure 2: A 9mm gasket. If you are not happy with the dealer 14mm fit , you can fit this to your car.
Figure 3: EGR Valve Location
Figure 4: EGR Valve Assembly Diagram
So what is the stutter?
Skoda are aware of this problem and have issued a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) however the official Skoda fix doesn’t go all of the way to curing the problems as they are forced to ensure that the engine maintains it’s EURO IV compliancy.
Symptoms of the stutter
The ever greater demand on reducing emissions have forced Skoda to make this fairly old engine EURO IV compliant and doing so has required some modifications to the Exhaust Gas Re Circulation System.
Sadly these modifications to the EGR system have resulted in a low RPM hesitation that is affectionately termed the ‘Stutter’.
The phenomenon affects the Fabia vRS from 10/2005 onwards fitted with the engine code BLT, including the Fabia vRS Special Edition.
A lull in power between 1500 – 1800 RPM`s is noticed when changing gear, some owners say it’s barely noticeable however many owners say that it spoils the driving experience of what is a great car.
What can be done about it?
Skoda UK will apply a modification to your car Free of Charge. Take it to your local dealer who will carry out the work for you.
The dealers will take out the currently installed gasket in between the EGR valve and the engine which has a 25mm opening and install a 9mm one which is drilled out to a 14.5mm opening. This will go some way to alleviate these issues but it’s not a 100% successful fix.
See figure 1 for a comparison of a 9mm and 25mm gasket
Completely fixing the problem
Skoda UK’s original fix was to utilise a replacement gasket with a 9mm opening instead of the 25mm opening from the factory. This appears to overcome almost all hesitation however it was then discovered that this could compromise the EURO IV certification of the engine.
Whilst this produced the required outcome, for the obvious reasons Skoda cannot sell vehicles with this modification in place, however you as an owner are not bound by such stringent measures and it is therefore entirely possible for you to carry out the effective modification yourself.
You will need to get yourself a 9mm opening gasket (figure 2) – VAG Part Number 028 131 547 B from any VAG dealer which should cost around £1.73.
Having allowed the engine to cool, lift up the bonnet, pull off the engine cover and locate the EGR valve at position 1. (see figure 3)
Position 6 and position 11 on the diagram (figure 4) use the same gasket however position 11 is where most owners when fitting a revised (9mm) gasket have seen the best results.
Remove the two allen bolts at position 13 using a 6mm Allen Key and exchange your currently fitted gasket for the 9mm one you bought and replace the bolts.
Test drive the car and confirm that all is well. Retain the original gasket in case it is required again.
