02AutoWag
Registered User
To be clear, towcat, I do not run the VW TDI site, I'm just a member. The part you do have correct is the state of my front yard - littered with TDIs.
FordGuy100:
Your local go-to TDI specialist is a shop called Fix-Um Haus in Portland (fixumRich on tdiclub) or a guy that works out of his garage, Justin (oldpoopie on tdiclub). Both of these guys have been to my house working on TDIclub timing belt installation marathons, 15+ belts in a long weekend...
Did you notice if there was any front end damage? The bumper is not stock - well at least the trim isn't stock. The fancy chrome trim came on the GLI Jettas. It doesn't look like the rest of the side trim (maybe rear too) is also chromed. Many people change out the car all around for a different look, but I only see it on the front, that's why I'm suspicious.
Also, the headlights look too clear for being a 2004. Nobody makes the Jetta headlight lenses in glass, so most are sporting yellowed lenses unless recently polished or replaced. Also check for the AC and warning stickers on the black plastic trim around the hood latch too.
38MPG in a PD with automatic is just about par for the course. Spend the 5-10 minutes one time to remove the fuel vent instead of messing with pushing the button at each fill-up. It's a stupid simple mod that pays off well.
It sounds like you have a generic code reader, but the genuine ***-Com cable and software has MANY more useful features. It's a requirement if you want to do a timing belt change, but even if you hire that job out, the ***-Com is a nice tool with excellent resale value should you choose to leave the VW family.
Speaking of timing belts, yours is due at 100K miles. In addition to the ***-Com, you'll need tools from metalnerd.com You may want to pull the camshaft cover now and inspect it so you can order parts and replace at the same time as the timing belt job if needed.
PD camshafts have been known to cause problems. I'm not sure if anyone's narrowed down why this is the case. The club has largely ruled out oil as being the direct cause as there are many who have followed the requirement and still have issues. The leading culprit is just vendor/batch differences in camshafts. I believe the replacement camshafts are now of known quality. After replacement, many are running Mobil1 Turbo Diesel Truck oil.
Talk to Rich at Fix-Um Haus if you want a $300-$400 tune that'll spit out a 30-40% bump in power/cheesy grin output.
Good luck, have fun!
FordGuy100:
Your local go-to TDI specialist is a shop called Fix-Um Haus in Portland (fixumRich on tdiclub) or a guy that works out of his garage, Justin (oldpoopie on tdiclub). Both of these guys have been to my house working on TDIclub timing belt installation marathons, 15+ belts in a long weekend...
Did you notice if there was any front end damage? The bumper is not stock - well at least the trim isn't stock. The fancy chrome trim came on the GLI Jettas. It doesn't look like the rest of the side trim (maybe rear too) is also chromed. Many people change out the car all around for a different look, but I only see it on the front, that's why I'm suspicious.
Also, the headlights look too clear for being a 2004. Nobody makes the Jetta headlight lenses in glass, so most are sporting yellowed lenses unless recently polished or replaced. Also check for the AC and warning stickers on the black plastic trim around the hood latch too.
38MPG in a PD with automatic is just about par for the course. Spend the 5-10 minutes one time to remove the fuel vent instead of messing with pushing the button at each fill-up. It's a stupid simple mod that pays off well.
It sounds like you have a generic code reader, but the genuine ***-Com cable and software has MANY more useful features. It's a requirement if you want to do a timing belt change, but even if you hire that job out, the ***-Com is a nice tool with excellent resale value should you choose to leave the VW family.
Speaking of timing belts, yours is due at 100K miles. In addition to the ***-Com, you'll need tools from metalnerd.com You may want to pull the camshaft cover now and inspect it so you can order parts and replace at the same time as the timing belt job if needed.
PD camshafts have been known to cause problems. I'm not sure if anyone's narrowed down why this is the case. The club has largely ruled out oil as being the direct cause as there are many who have followed the requirement and still have issues. The leading culprit is just vendor/batch differences in camshafts. I believe the replacement camshafts are now of known quality. After replacement, many are running Mobil1 Turbo Diesel Truck oil.
Talk to Rich at Fix-Um Haus if you want a $300-$400 tune that'll spit out a 30-40% bump in power/cheesy grin output.
Good luck, have fun!
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