More Shop Time

Sprint 6 · Feb 22, 2022

Maybe this needs to be a regular feature. Today we have a 2005 VW Passat TDI diesel torn down for the water pump and timing belt maintenance. Maintenance is high, but these old TDI diesels will run the number, both mileage and economy. This one has 222K miles, getting its second belt replacment.

Tony in SD · Feb 22, 2022

Not sure those numbers impress me too much. My 2005 Cummins in a RAM2500 has well over twice that many miles and I have only replaced 2 injections lines and 1 fan belt. Still use it almost everyday.

Sprint 6 · Feb 22, 2022

How many ball joints and track bars?

Keith True · Feb 22, 2022

I worked on one of those once,the belt tensioner bearing had come apart.VW pulled the head and told him he needed a motor.I gave the head to the machine shop,they said it was unheard of to have no valve damage in those things after losing a timing belt,but there was none.I studied what to do with it,and put it back together.I couldn't get fuel to it.We called an independent VW shop,and after talking to him he asked if the battery had been disconnected for any length of time.It had been,for almost a year.He came over with his computer and hooked it up.He looked at a few things on his screen,hit a key,and told me to start it up.It started right up.Instead of a long complicated explanation he said the bottom line was that without power the computer had forgotten how to tell the injection pump to wake up.

Eric in IL · Feb 22, 2022

I have a 2010 Jetta TDI that I really like. It has 206k and I've changed the belt twice.

From the looks of your picture, the Jetta is much easier to do that job.

tomturkey · Feb 22, 2022

High tech, computers, EPA mandates, gonna spell the end of DIY repair and maintenance. Oh, just a simple repair, remove the grill both headlites, the radiator, transmission cooler, AC condenser. Then you can see the problem but still have to remove the alternator, power steering pump on and on. My grandsons 2006 Nissan wore me out, plus working blind on the backside of a V-6. Guess its time to leave it up to the professionals and pay the piper. gobble

Vito · Feb 22, 2022

Definitely some disassembly required.

Vito

Case30Deutz06 · Feb 22, 2022

I always wanted a diesel car. There were too many VW TDI's around so in 2013 I saved up money to purchase a used 2010 BMW 335d with 36,000 miles on. Now it has 213,000 miles. I am not a fan of belted engines either so that scared me away of the VW TDI also. The BMW has not been without flaw, but most of its gremlins seemed to have been ironed out before its warranty went off at 100k miles. However, just that timing belt change on the VW TDI seems to be more work than anything that has needed to done on my BMW engine so far. However, as I write this I will have to do some work on my BMW. Indications are pointing to needing a new injector or two, but I have not done the full diagnosis yet.

Do not take my comment the wrong way, I do like VW TDI's. I love diesel cars and trucks. I like engines with torque without the need for high rpms to get up hills. Though I may be spoiled with a car with 25 more ft-lbs of torque and 100 more hp then the original Cummins 5.9 in the Ram.

Sprint 6 · Feb 22, 2022

Ro be honest, I'd rather do the longitudinal Passat than a Jetta. That core support and such isn't as hard to get off as it looks, only about an hour's work to get this far.

Just did an Audi A3 a week ago. Have an Audi TT to do after this one.

SVcummins · Feb 22, 2022

Grease it and that solves that problem . Ive got one with over 350,000 miles one with 300,000 Ive had 7 of these trucks and only put one engine and cost less to do it than youll have in that piece of crap . How much weight do you figure that piece of crap you are so proud of has ever had to carry ?

Hobo,NC · Feb 22, 2022

My hats of to ya I gave up on Euro cars about 10 years ago I don't need'em are the horses arse that drive them. BTW its a little late but you never know when you will run across a 70/80's pancake fuel tank they make the best catcher you ever used. The smaller tanks make for a mobile table I use it mostly on brake work. I set it on a trash can all my trash cans are mobile. I am shoot'n my next shop time a cam belt on a honda accord (real gravy)

Hobo,NC · Feb 22, 2022

I have about gave up on those nissan V6 myself they to are hard to work on... : ( I have one here the complaint at times it idles ruff. I checked it over smoke test etc. I drove it to town after supper to the drug store when I got back in it, it had a misfire at idle. Its an ignition misfire I did some major work on it last year it was gummed up bad my bet a fouled plug are plug wire. Its a DOG a P.O.S. but he loves it and has $$$...

I have a customer with a 95 pathfinder he came in this week he thinks the engine took a dump. He says he has two used engines : ) I said that's great I am not putting them in : ) we are both happy...

This post was edited by Hobo,NC on 02/22/2022 at 06:00 pm.

Tony in SD · Feb 22, 2022

None no ball joints. 4 sets of tires, 3 pair of batteries, a set of U joints, a clutch, a set of brakes, a seat cover, tail light bulbs, park brake release handle, muffler and regular servicing.

Sprint 6 · Feb 22, 2022

Dodge get 45mpg? Don't think so. Not proud of them, per se, but they do what they promise. Timing belt jobs cost less than transmissions and ball joints.

Grease it how? Factory ones aren't greasable. 5.9 is a great motor, in a tractor. If it had come with a real transmisson, in a decent truck, maybe. But a Dudge pile? Nope. How people put up with those Columbus Vibrators, I don't know, bad as a Harley.

Just poking in good fun. Love me some Rams, paid for my nice Snap On ball joint press.

Sprint 6 · Feb 22, 2022

Bet you've spent more than these folks have on maintenance. Two different vehicles designed for two different purposes, hauling loads versus MPG. People who commute tons of miles live these things. Even at $4 a gallon, 45mpg gives an advantage over a gas car.

Case30Deutz06 · Feb 22, 2022

Never replaced a water pump? Impressive! Have an 2004.5 that is finally getting to 100k, I have put 2 water pumps on it. It is common failure on them, but likely one of the easiest water pumps to change so not really complaining much. I have caught them leaking; has never left me sit for that. On-engine lift pump has left me sit for a little while, but had spare pump and tools in truck and changed along the interstate.

4520BW · Feb 23, 2022

I use to test that motor in the development process, changed alot of injectors and shims . Got to where I could change them and have back running in less than 15 minutes.

SVcummins · Feb 23, 2022

I like my little bug bug when it needs work i let the Vw expert work on it hes young and kinda likes to do it . What would you quote to a clutch rnr a 2001 beetle clutch gas engine

More Shop Time

Sprint 6

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Tony in SD

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Sprint 6

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Keith True

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Eric in IL

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tomturkey

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Vito

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Case30Deutz06

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Sprint 6

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SVcummins

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Hobo,NC

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Hobo,NC

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Tony in SD

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Sprint 6

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Sprint 6

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Case30Deutz06

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4520BW

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SVcummins

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