[Vwdiesel] Piston pin slop

[Doug Ferguson]

Mark, A ME engine I had in a jetta had a knock that was very subtle but would fade a lot when the engine was up to temp. I drove it like that for 4 or five years and while on a trip up the interstate, the leadfoot spouse was driving at 80+ (I wouldn't ever push it that hard) and all of a sudden crash bang it lost power and quit. Turned out one of the pistons cracked in half either at the wrist pin bore or a ring land, either way the engine was toast.  Probably all the time the piston was hitting the head ever so slightly. Your results may vary.