Golf Mk3 engine running badly at low revs

[mac100]

VW Golf MK3 1.4 1993 Mileage 70,000

A few weeks ago I removed the upper timing belt cover in order to inspect the condition of the belt. It was my intention to replace it but since the existing belt showed no visible signs of deterioration I postponed doing so, probably inadvisably.
I removed the spark plugs to make the engine easier to turn over when inspecting the belt . Otherwise I did not carry out any dismantling work on the engine and I cannot see that there was anything that I had done that could have precipitated the following problem unless when removing the ignition leads from the plugs I had damaged or fractured a lead within the end fitting which I had difficulty pulling off the plugs.
However,the car had been running beautifully before and for 10 days after the above inspection of the timing belt before the fault suddenly occurred.

Description of fault .

I have no problem starting the engine.
The engine has,however, developed a bad miss at low revs (900-1000rpm) which seems to disappear when the revs are increased to 1500-2000 rpm. There is a serious loss of power at low revs. At tick over the engine runs very roughly and would appear to be off a cylinder although strangely removing individual plug leads seems to make little discernible difference and I have been unable to identify a particular cylinder not firing. I did not want to pursue that line of investigation too far in case I should damage the catalytic converter. Perhaps it is already damaged. The exhaust gasses emerge from the tailpipe in a series of pops.
There is also a rasping/clanking metallic noise in the vicinity of the distributor which disappears when the revs are increased.
I have fitted new spark plugs. No improvement.
I have examined the ignition leads (in the dark) looking for any sign of arcing having first seperated them and sprayed them with “Holts wet start” but found none.

I would be most grateful for any assistance in tracking down the cause of the above fault. What components should I check?

Thank you for your help.

[littlegingadave]

Hi. I'm afraid I can't help you but only I have a similar problem.

I have a 92 1.8CL 90000miles and recently the bearings went on the Waterpump.

Bought new waterpump and drive belts. Replaced the water pump and the aux drive belt and the power steering drive belt. Decided against replacing the timing belt after an inspection.

After I'd done the work the engine sounded beautiful (I hadn't realised how bad the waterpump had got) however now once the engine is warm (and only when warm) it doesn't idle well. At low revs it's very stuttery when driving (if I apply power or drop down a gear then it's fine) and sometimes cuts out when parking or maneouvring about.

I wonder if our problems are related or not? Anyone able to help??

Thanks.