Jetta TDI's?

[derby]

Um, EPA. 

Sad thing is, the motor that's in the Jetta we get Stateside isn't nearly as good as the one in Europe.  Much more balls, better mileage.

small part EPA, large part American misconceptions about diesel vehicles...

[Tiffers]

The only downside to our ownership was 5$ a gallon diesel last year 

[sno_duc]

Um, EPA. 

Sad thing is, the motor that's in the Jetta we get Stateside isn't nearly as good as the one in Europe.  Much more balls, better mileage.

It's also the cetane content, Europe diesel has higher cetane. The Audi's that race at LeMans are running a Synthetic diesel / bio-diesel blend, very high cetane.

The is a place in Houston that sells it.
http://www.hiperfuels.com/storename/highfuelsn/dept/81049/ItemDetail-10040586.aspx

[Greg]

The TDI's are awesome cars, but like other diesels they can be prone to expensive pump/injector repairs. As an ex diesel injection mechanic I highly you buy a Racor fuel filter to protect those sensitive bits from water in the fuel.

Also try not to fill up at a station if you see the tanker truck there or just leaving, you don't want to fuel after all that crap is stirred up in the tank from a tanker delivery.

[herm]

The TDI's are awesome cars, but like other diesels they can be prone to expensive pump/injector repairs. As an ex diesel injection mechanic I highly you buy a Racor fuel filter to protect those sensitive bits from water in the fuel.

Also try not to fill up at a station if you see the tanker truck there or just leaving, you don't want to fuel after all that crap is stirred up in the tank from a tanker delivery.

CRAP!! i just did this the other day.
wonder why i never thought of that before??

[Greg]

Most gas stations are good about keeping water out of their tanks and most trucks don't deliver much if any water, but occasionally they do and it's just best to be safe than stuck on the side of the road 2 miles later and then faced with a $1,000+ repair bill for injector pump and injectors.

[ute]

not sure if the new TDI`s have ir but my 87 had a water separator under the car  that you drained  every oil change 


and +1 on the fuel filter change every year

[m9hundo]

My mechanic told me to steer clear of VW's, high cost for repairs and they're a PITA to work on.  This was a few years ago, don't know about present.

[bevel]

Dr, you know my stance on TDIs, since we've driven all over NH and MA in my 05 Golf TDI w/ 72k.

Get that Jetta and enjoy the constant 40mpg.

[Greg]

not sure if the new TDI`s have ir but my 87 had a water separator under the car  that you drained  every oil change 
and +1 on the fuel filter change every year

The fuel filter/water seperator I'm talking about can be drained easily by a small valve on the bottom of the unit. Some of them also come with warning lights to let you know the filter is full of water, so that you can pull over and drain it real quick.

Again - highly recommended, and the best in the business was Racor.

http://www.thedieselstore.com/water/test.php?src=../Images/img/RAC120AP%2F0120AS.jpg

[cyrus buelton]

My mechanic told me to steer clear of VW's, high cost for repairs and they're a PITA to work on.  This was a few years ago, don't know about present.

I'm guessing your mechanic is a Ford and Chevy and not an import car mechanic.


I had my garage mechanic replace the rear rotors/pads a month or so ago. Sure, he said make the beast with two backs about 100000 times while getting the caliper off, but it only took him about an hour to do both sides, and repair the drivers side caliper as the piston came unseated.

[bevel]

I'm guessing your mechanic is a Ford and Chevy and not an import car mechanic.


I had my garage mechanic replace the rear rotors/pads a month or so ago. Sure, he said make the beast with two backs about 100000 times while getting the caliper off, but it only took him about an hour to do both sides, and repair the drivers side caliper as the piston came unseated.

If you drop the $50 to get the Metal Nerd VW Brake Rewind tool (I picked mine up from TDIParts.com), the rear calipers are a breeze. Thing with VWs is that the piston doesn't push straight back, it has to be "rewound" into the caliper. The OEM and Metal Nerd tool both hook into the top of the piston, and twist it while pushing it back.

[NAKID]

A lot of rear calipers have to be screwed back in. Go to your local auto parts store and they should be able to rent you the proper tool...

[cyrus buelton]

My mechanic has that tool.


The brake place wanted to replace the caliper as they said it couldn't be fixed and if you buy one new caliper, you need another one.

Um, make the beast with two backs you.

It took my guy about 15mins of make the beast with two backsing around with it to get the piston re-seated. It came unseated, which is what caused the pad to rub down as well as the caliper.

[sno_duc]

Two words.    Bentley Manual.
Best money you'll ever spend if you own a VW.