[Vwdiesel] stuck stick in cylinder & Engine refresher: Thoughts?

[Travis Gottschalk]

I actually can't say as I have even ever opened the hood on a ALH tdi. Only BRM, CBEA and BEW TDI's. But it is true about the cup in the TDI piston that basically acts as the prechamber for lack of better terms on the IDI's. It helps contain the explosion of the fuel and hence the knock of the diesel is less for this style of engine. 
 
As far as the bent rod. Few questions on that before saying more on what should be done. How did it get bent and how did you find this out? There is plenty of TDI's that make the 500K mile range still running ok with nothing but turbo, possibly cam (even on the ALH it can wear), oil pump/chain and turbo. Few have to do the main and rod bearings and re-ring/bore unless something happened which from the bent rod that is why I ask. And if you have OEM rings in there but not the first ones how old are these and was it honed before installation. That can affect the seating of the rings. And what is making you want to rebuild the engine on other things (i.e. lack of power, MPG, starting ability)? Sticky turbo vains can be issues with the MPG/HP. Injectors could be all of the previously mentioned as well as the ALH injectors last around 100K before needing nozzles more or less depending on the water in the fuel and other issues. Just some things to think about. 
 
Travis G
 
> I am about to return from deployment, and am putting some of the money
> I have earned towards refreshing my TDIs 1.9l engine, who at 264k
> miles is starting to feel its age.
> 
> I am planning to replace a slightly warped connecting rod, replace all
> connecting rod bearings, installing oversize piston rings (getting
> excessive blowby with the new OEM rings I installed last rebuild) and
> might reduce the headgasket size from 2 notch to one. Also new Bosch
> glow plugs and a new timing belt.
> 
> Anything else I should cover?
> 
> -- 
> ______________________________
> Stephen Kraus
> UB3RATL4Sf00 at gmail.com;

 
> Just wanted to finally comment on this problem. What many of you may not realize is that the injector hole on the TDIs is VERY small compared to the IDIs once you remove the heat shields. Getting anything in them is tough. PLUS there is a deep indent in the middle of the pistons that could be holding the stick also. Add to that, the glow plugs are right beside the injectors and you have a space problem. Seems to me that the most prudent approach to this is one that has already been put out there?remove the head. Yeah you are going to have to replace some parts but better safe than sorry. As the Brits are fond of saying "don't be pennywise and pound foolish". Sometimes the best decision is the hardest route but will give the best results. Hayden
>