Mk4 Golf Tdi 150 maintenance & vehicle optimisation

[iworld]

Hi

Just a couple of questions and update!

• I wanted to know if it is a good idea to steam clean the engine on a PD150 - if so what precautions should you take?
• I also want to use Diesal engine flush - is this a good idea everytime you change the oil?
• Other than the obvious - brakes and tyres oil, filter etc - what components should one need to keep an eye on to keep the car in 100% order

It is scary that vehcles lose their bhp/torque if they are poorly maintaned - just remeber the old supercar segment on top gear and you will know what i mean!


I know a guy whos Tdi 150 has done over 200K! he says it is not as tight around the corners - even on newer tyres - what sort of parts should one consider replacing on higher milers for anyone else out there


Also on a previous thread - i was having problems with the turbo kicking only after a minutes worth of driving - it seems that a 200+ mile trip on the motorway sorted the problem out and the symptoms are gone! The turbo kicks in straight away and when i booted it up the same hill - the engine revved all the way towards the red line! - could have been a blockage that has gone

Thanks to everyone!

[rio1981]

Hi mate i have a 150 bhp for over a year now.
Im not sure about the steam cleaning i would be careful and only do it if its really necessary. However, apart from the usual servicing like oil, air filter etc. I would suggest you replace the brake/clutch fluid as well as the transmission oil at some point. There are lots of ppl including myself who have has probs with knackered clutch cylinders etc. best way is to maintain the hydraulics. Also avoid letting the car run on reserve fuel cos that can cause problems with the fuel pump which are not cheap. I am also thinking of getting my turbo serviced/cleaned cos these can be pretty expensive if they get clogged up. Although im no expert a novice at best im learning and find that in most cases 'Prevention is better than cure'!
Hope its useful!

[v6dub]

i don't own a pd150 but i know you have to use SLX 0w-30 long lifeIII oil. i think you can only get this from VW, at some point as well the anti roll bar bushes will ware out and they will clunk and knock. this happens on all mk4 at point, getting wore ones replaced will make it drive so much better.

[veedub76]

I have a PD150 on a 2002 '51' plate and it's covered 139k.It runs sweet as a nut and has full VW history.I personally wouldn't steam clean an engine as it could cause problems with electrics being damp etc.
Since owning the car i've had it serviced by a VW specialist,and have replaced the rear axle bushes as they were knocking and also anti roll bar bushes and 2 new rear springs as one was broken so i replaced the pair.
I always drive it gently until the temp guage reaches 90 degrees and always let it idle before i shut the engine off.I reguarly use Millers diesel additive to the diesel and it runs better and helps keep injectors clean.
As far a i know the clutch and turbo are all original and am in the process of having the EGR valve and inlet manifold cleaned out
Love the car although i've heard the camshaft and turbo can be a problem.Regular oil changes at 6000 miles are recommended

Good luck and enjoy it.
How many miles has it done???

[iworld]

Hi

Thanks for the update - it makes sense to let the engine warm up gradually before you give it some welly - BMW M5's have a warnning light indicator - so anything to improve the life of the turbo is a big 'yes'

Is there a safe method to clean the engine without getting water in the important electrics - i get a lot of dust and i think this can play tricks on some of the vital sensors

I will replace the brake/clutch/and transmission fluid on my next service

I will also be paying close attention to the EGR valve and inlet manifold

I purchased a brand new front anti-roll bar from a garage after my suspension started making knocking noises turned out it was just the bushes and i was left #78 quid short - always get a 2nd opinion from a VW mechanic - i did and it saved me a new Turbo!

This Forum is the Bees Knees and remember dont believe everything garage mechanics tell you!