[Vwdiesel] Age, Diesel History, and Bonus TDI Tragedy

[dieseltdi at verizon.net]

>  (note I said this without once attacking the incompetent engineers  
> who would foist the design of PD engines on an unsuspecting public).

As an owner of a 2004 PD jetta, I think it is important to qualify  
this statement.  The VAST majority of PD engines (probably 95% or  
better) have had 0 mechanical problems.  Only a minority have shown  
problems with cams and lifters and of that minority, many have had the  
wrong oil used or have been chipped to produce substantially more  
power than stock.  There may also have been a small number of cams  
that escaped the manufacturer with defects that have lead to problems  
but MOST have had no problems what so ever.  We must remember that on  
internet lists like this or on Fred's TDI Club, you tend to hear from  
those that have problems NOT from those that don't.  A recent post on  
the TDI club asked for the pros and cons of a PD verses a NonPD.  As I  
suspected, a vast majority of the negative posts were from people that  
DO NOT OWN PD powered cars and had no actual first hand experience  
with them.  Their "knowledge" was based upon the posts on the list and  
their own preconceived notions.  My car currently has 110000 plus  
miles with no problems at all and I purchased the car used!!!
The car is peppy, torquey and just fun to drive even unchipped.

As for dealers, I would like to suggest using only stand alone VW  
dealerships.  I tend to use only Metro VW in Irving, Tx and I have  
come to personally know many of the guys there.  I have even spoken  
personally with the couple of mechanics that do virtually all of the  
TDI mechanical work.  If you can do this at your dealership, that is a  
huge plus.  As for the recent problems with the replacement of glow  
plugs and reflashing of ECUs (mine included) VW was sort of forced  
into a quick change due to the manufacturer of the ceramic glow plugs  
suddenly ceasing production and essentially announcing that the would  
no longer cover damage due to the older plugs.  VW had to quickly come  
up with a solution which, unfortunately, has caused many problems.  I  
personally have a problem with my cruise control not operating  
properly when the A/C is on and in the recent cold mornings, have had  
problems with cold starting.  Thankfully not as bad as some.  VW is  
working on a get around solution but I can imagine it won't be easy  
since the original plugs pulled 7 volts and the new ones pull 5.  I  
have had some problems with Metro, but nothing that hasn't been taken  
care of to MY satisfaction.
Hayden


" Those who are willing to sacrifice Liberty for Security, deserve  
neither Liberty nor Security."  Ben Franklin


Visit my website at:  http://mysite.verizon.net/resosxp8/mydieselpages/
Proud owner of:
2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD, K&N Filter
2004 Jetta GL PD TDI, Inmotion Tuning Stage 1 Tuning, K&N Filter,  
ScanGauge II
1968 Beetle, my latest project, watch for details
And many, many, many VWs; from a 1946 Beetle (13 Beetles total), to  
Vans (5 - 3 splitties, 2 bay window (both were campers), 1 Vanagon  
Westy, Rabbits (3), Karmen Ghia (1), Jettas (7), Passats (2), Dasher  
(1), New Beetle (1), and Rabbit Pickups (3) most now gone but not  
forgotten.