[Vwdiesel] 01 TDI, Sudden loss of boost

[Tad]

So I have a 2001 Golf TDI with close to 190k on the clock.  Original turbo,
intake never cleaned (!), most of it's life on BD of various concentrations.

I was driving home from work last night and I noticed I had zero boost as
indicated on the mechanical gauge.  Power was, of course, low.  After some
experimentation, I was able to get the needle to just barely move off the
stop at WOT.

I cautiously proceeded home and checked things out under the hood, hoping
for a blown hose or something, but everything seemed intact.

I snaked my arm down to the turbo to check connections and everything
seemed intact.  While I was down there I located the VNT lever and worked
it back and forth for a bit - seemed a little sticky/crunchy.

Went for a test drive and lo, boost had returned!

I assume this means my VNT is full of crud and needs cleaning/replacement.
 I know some folks have talked of using SeaFoam or some such but that
frankly sounds a little sketchy to me.

With such high miles on the turbo I may just look at replacing it.

Any experience/advice from the group?

Thanks.