Friends VW diesel problems can anyone help???
 

Hello I have a friend at my work with a VW diesel and he has been getting a lot of smoke which smells like fuel lately. It has a hard time starting and runs like crap. He has already had the injectors rebuilt and is now out of ideas. Cna anyone help in this matter with a possible cause for this or just a solution to this problem? Please thanks
Adam

I wish one day people will start to give more information about a car when they want help.

How about the year of the car, what kind of VW is it? how many KM's? etc, etc....

VW's had ton's of diesel cars out on the market... so we sorta have to know which one you are talking about.

it is a 1997 diesel golf and I am not sure about the km's he says that he has to plug in the block heater to start it even on warm days. does that help?

its probley the glow plugs

the glowplugs on this Golf would make hard to start especially in the colder temps, Some newer GM trucks have the glow plugs come on and off once in a while just to help in precombustion. Also if the cylinder is receiving too much fuel on start-up you would have a hard start and lots of white smoke. there could be a couple other problems with this car, the Injection pump could possible be out of time or just worn out, maybe one of the four injector lines has a leak or the injector themselfs are worn out or sticking.

If he is having a hard start in the cold he should check the glow plugs see if there all getting power and if they all have proper grounds, or just take it to a dealorship.

He already had his injectors rebuilt and they are okay , there are no leaks in any of the lines. But thanks for the other stuff I will be sure to tell him.

Sounds like he's got a newer TDI...

The problem being, diesels are very different from normal petrol engines.... maybe he should try to find a good diesel mechanic that knows TDI's well....

It sound like you have a few problems that are causing these things to happen.

Because in general, a TDI even the older ones shouldn't even need a block heater or the prolonged use of glow-plugs... the motor is just very efficient.

it is winter there for diesels do not like to start .....shitty i know but does he plug it in every night like he should block heaters are there for a reason.....also is he adding any additives to it so the diesel wont gel up....go to your local big rig dealer dixie auto mall has one if your in that hood right beside the ford dealer and get some of the additive :thumbsup ...try that and if none of that works come back

A properly working TDI will start without a problem.. even in -20 weather...

I've never had a problem starting my TDI all winter - just gotta wait till the glow plugs heat up!

Also I take my car to the Bugg Shop in Hamilton - they specialize in VWs and diesels. Really good guys there.

The Bugg Shop
905-547-2042

Although, I don't know where you're located so... this may not be a possible option.

I would check the glow plugs - I've had my 1999 tdi for 5 months and have had to replace 2 so far...

lots of diesels will start with out a problem but sometimes theres always the one that wont....like a work for example 4 out of 5 of the pieces of heavy equipment started great with out being plugged in ( - 25 to - 30 at 4 in the morning) and the newest one of the bunch .....has to be plugged in every night or your spending a hour every morning trying to start it up......and on a side note the bug shop is really great bunch of guys my friend deals with them for his sirocco and fox :thumbsup