[Vwdiesel] Q: TD Fuel Injectors; Engine compression

[gary]

I've read in a few places that 75,000 - 100,000mi as the wear limit of
injectors. This and the fact you can get rebuilds for $35-$40 each makes
it a relatively inexpensive maintenance item.

But there is also a saying that if it ain't broken, don't fix it.

Worn injectors usually equate to hard starting, poor mileage, and smoky.
None of which seem to be affecting you. Just doesn't seem right to
replace the injectors in your case "just because the book says to".

Same goes for the engine. 406psi is the lower limit "in the book".  Low
compression equates to hard starting, oil smoke, and significant oil
consumption. Neither of these seem to affect you either. 1/2qt of oil in
3000mi is nothing. Drive a B4 Passat TDI and you will know why!

If you are happy with how it runs now, I would leave it, hands-off. 
If and when any hard starting , poor mileage, or smokiness becomes an
issue, I would deal with it then.

Just my $0.02.

-Gary
1997 Passat TDI



On Mon, 2004-03-08 at 08:48, Gerry Wolfe wrote:
> Loren recently commented: " With 80K on the engine (?) then the injectors are at about 1/2 to  3/4 of their life."
> 
> My '91 Jetta TD has 265K km (about 160K mi?) on the original injectors, and SEEMS to be running smoothly etc.  How can you tell if the injectors are past their prime?  For the last 150K km, I've been using Stanadyne every tank, and for the last 50K km, Stanadyne+2stroke oil (50/50).  Don't know about prior history (I bought the car at 150K km) but PO claimed to do regular maintenance and the car was mint when I purchased it.
> 
> A related question: What about compression?  Engine was tested recently, shows 410psi on each cylinder (I've rarely seen an engine showing exactly the same psi on each!)  Bentley suggests this is the lower limit.  Also seen other list-members mention compressions around 500psi.  The motor starts well, doesn't smoke, and uses only 0.5l oil every 4mos/5Kkm.  I use Rotella T 15w40 dino in the warm months and 5w40 synth (either Rotella T or Delvac or LubriMoly) in the colder ones.
> 
> advTHANKSance for comments,
> g.