[Vwdiesel] (no subject)

[Tad]

Hi Paul - the 1.9 TDI is generally reliable (arguably moreso than the gas)
but does have certain quirks and requires specific knowledge and tools to
work on effectively.  Nothing terribly complicated or expensive, but it is a
different beast than either the older IDI diesels or the modern gassers.

That said, the 99s have been known to have a few first-year quirks that
differ from the subsequent model years.

Just checking, are you sure it's a TDI?  I ask because the TDI didn't come
out until 99.5, and I understand there were IDI 99's available in Canada.
(or am I thinking about an earlier year?)

Some things to watch out for are MAF failure and intake clogging - both very
common.  If you're used to the IDI diesel then the TDI should knock your
socks off.  If not it may have one or both of these issues, and neither will
typically trigger a check-engine light.

If you have the chance, remove the large rubber 90-degree bend hose leading
into the intake and look inside to see how full of gunk it is.

Also take the engine cover off(if present) and peer around the injection
pump and injectors for seepage indicating that the pump seals are on their
way out.

If you can, be present for a cold start to make sure it doesn't start hard
when cold, which could indicate a timing, intake clogging or other problem.


Other common issues are little electrical gizmos such as the microswitches
in the doors which sense open/closed, and the cruise control stalk switches.


Also make sure that you have hard records for timing belt service, or make
sure it gets done (*competently*) immediately.  A T-belt failure on these
engines is very bad news.

On Sun, Jul 25, 2010 at 11:10 PM, paul lew <biovolks at yahoo.com> wrote:

> Hi Guys
> I've been driving my 1991 jetta diesel happily for about 6 years, and it's
> time to replace it, as it's almost 20 years old and showing it's age.
> Most of the service I have been doing myself.
>
> What can you tell me about the 1999 jetta tdi 1.9 litre, there's one on a
> small lot in town for $4990 canadian, it has 206,671 kilometers on it.
> Manual transmission.
> I haven't checked it out yet ,because they were closed, but from the
> outside, and what I can see inside, it's in nice physical shape.
>
> Any warning signs, common problems etc.? I've been told the VW gas is more
> reliable these past years since about 1995.
> Thank you
> Paul
>
>
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