[Vwdiesel] tdi suggestions

[Tad]

Minor correction: except for New Beetle, the ALH engine and A4 chassis
didn't start until 99.5.

Agree that the ALH engine with a manual tranny is the way to go.  Being the
driver of an 01 Golf myself, I'd recommend it. :)

Jettas are much more common though but otherwise pretty much identical.

Beetles are a bit harder to work on due to cramped quarters.

I'd avoid the first year (99.5) for the usual first year issues and
oddities.  DEFINITELY avoid the automatics.

03 would be both newest and most plentiful of the ALH/A4 cars.

Look closely for injection pump leaks, both where the top/bottom of the
pump join and at the shaft seal, which shows up as a dribble underneath the
pump on the flange.

Check the intake for clogging by pulling off the big rubber 90-degree bend
hose going into the intake and look for near total obstruction.

Try to make sure the PO has been using proper diesel synthetic oil (not
just diesel or just synthetic).  10k changes are perfectly fine if you're
using the right oil.

Pull the timing belt cover and check for obvious signs of trouble (chewed
edges, ridges, oil).

Make sure the Tbelt has been changed at the proper interval (60k, 80k or
100k depending on year/belt type).

Fiddling interior bits like glove box door, console latch and power window
switches tend to break, but manual windows are rare.

Avoid sunroof if you can help it, the drains are prone to clogging and
leaking.

That's all I can think of off the top of my head... good luck!

On Thu, Jan 5, 2012 at 12:13 PM, Matt <matt_lisa at sprynet.com> wrote:

> Avoid automatic transmissions through 2003. 1998-2003 are the ALH engine
> which is pretty sought after, as it uses a  VE pump, and gets better
> mileage overall. The PD engines have had some issues with premature wear on
> the cams (2004-2006).
>
> The newest cars (2009+) are a bit too new to tell. People are terrified of
> a high pressure fuel pump failure, but I wouldn't read too much into it.
> Just don't put gas in it!!
>
> Matt
> http://matt_lisa.home.sprynet.com
>
> On Jan 5, 2012, at 2:31 PM, Chris Jude <vegbenz300 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> > Folks,
> >
> > I've been driving old mercedes and VW diesels for years now, and am
> > considering a TDI.  I would want to find something reliable, but am a
> > little nervous about all the new car computer-control and emmissions
> > controls and such.  Does the list have any recommendations, or
> > cars/engines/transmissions to avoid on 1998-2006 VW Tdi's?  I think I'd
> > prefer a manual Golf, but I'd consider a Beetle or Jetta.
> >
> > Chris
> > Silk Hope, NC
> > 1985 Vw Jetta NA Diesel
> > 1987 MB 190D
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