[Vwdiesel] TDI vs 1.8T

[Dave Cook]

You may recall that I have been working on basically the same job on two 2001 Jettas.  Replacing the head gaskets and all the related bits, along with the timing belts and all the related bits.  

One is a TDI that had a minor exhaust leak in the headgasket prompting the job, the other is a 1.8T that stripped out the teeth on the timing belt, bending valves.  

I got the TDI buttoned up a couple weeks ago and spent a good chunk of today putting the 1.8T together.  

I have to say that with one exception, the TDI job was easier in just about every way.  Simpler overall design with less hoses and wires running all over the place (And being in the way!) Setting the engine timing is easier on the TDI, since the camshaft pulley is a slip fit whereas the 1.8T's is keyed, so it is impossible to have both timing marks at perfect TDC.  This also made installing the belt much more difficult in general.

I also don't understand why there aren't some more shared parts between the two, such as timing belt tensioners.  Seems like thinking about the designs a little more could have saved VW some money.

Dave Cook