Diesel engines

[0191mark]

I'm seriously considering buying a used audi diesel TDi (1994-96) with a view to running it on veg oil/diesel mix, once I've established that the diesel runs as it should.

Never having owned a diesel before, what do I need to be aware of? Which parts are most likely to fail, and what sort of replacement costs are we talking?

[HellDiver]

0191mark said:

Never having owned a diesel before, what do I need to be aware of?

You need to fuel them with diesel, not petrol. Very common mistake.

Otherwise, if it's got a cam belt, then you need to replace that on or before schedule, and if it's a PD engine then you need to use proper spec PD oil otherwise the cam will fall out. Preheaters tend to go around the 80k mark on most diesels unless they run all day, and injectors may need work later on in life.

Turbos can be dodgy, but that depends on how well the engine has been serviced in the past.

The old TDi lump you're talking aobout though is usally pretty bullet-proof.

[BigBob]

If you're thinking of running veggie/dino mix make sure it has a Bosche IP. Not all do and only the Bosche is tuff enough.


BB

[0191mark]

HellDiver said:

You need to fuel them with diesel, not petrol. Very common mistake.

Really? Thanks! Now about this PD stuff:

HellDiver said:

...if it's a PD engine then you need to use proper spec PD oil otherwise the cam will fall out. Preheaters tend to go around the 80k mark on most diesels unless they run all day, and injectors may need work later on in life.

Pumpe Deuce, what does this actually refer to?

And re: the veg oil, having second thoughts as I may go for a later A4 TDi - which apparently don't like it up 'em (veg oil). But generally speaking, (forgetting about the veg oil) how robust are diesel pumps generally? Is it advisable to keep a contingency specifically for a new pump or are they as likely to go as a turbo (for example)?

[0191mark]

BigBob said:

If you're thinking of running veggie/dino mix make sure it has a Bosche IP...

Yeah, as I mentioned, having second thoughts about the veg oil - but thanks for the heads up.

[Mr2Mike]

0191mark said:

Pumpe Deuce, what does this actually refer to?

"Pumpe Düse" literaly translates to "Pump Nozzle", and refers to the fact that each injector is run from a separate pump, i.e. the PD effectively has four injector pumps.

[0191mark]

Thanks, MR2Mike

[annodomini2]

Mr2Mike said:

0191mark said:

Pumpe Deuce, what does this actually refer to?

"Pumpe Düse" literaly translates to "Pump Nozzle", and refers to the fact that each injector is run from a separate pump, i.e. the PD effectively has four injector pumps.

More commonly known as unit injector, it was old tech when VW started using it.