[Vwdiesel] 1998 tdi no start

[James Hansen]

Found just one suprise.

>Only ONE? WooHoo!...
:-)

Thin oil I would guess as being from fuel going past rings in an attempt to
start the car?   If it was driven like that for some time, DON'T drive it at
full throttle until you check the intercooler.  Pop a clamp off the
intercooler at the lowest connection, and drain the oil out, or at least
check for oil.
For timing, I've found the least hassle is to use a dial like you normally
would, then check it on Vag-Com, aiming of the higher end of the range on
the timing app that is on the Ross-tech site.
The butchery at the ecu is of some concern.  Do that up nice...
The check inline is to keep fuel from bleeding back if you have a minute air
leak at the filter or connections.  Not that necessary really, and the spot
your fuel quit flowing if it starts to gel.
Way to test for rings versus valves is a cylinder leakdown test..

I'd drain the intercooler, then live the Italian Tuneup for a while with
good oil in the sump.  Smoky can be valve seals too, but I would just
suspect the intake is just well coated with oil from blowby due to the thin
oil in the crankcase. Important to drain the intercooler if you suspect it
has any in it.  A slug of oil going in can really ruin your day.
-james