[spongebob_squarepants]

I'm pretty much ignorant about all things TDI, but it looks like I may be getting my wife one very soon.
On a gas engine, you change oil/filter every 5k miles. What's the schedule on a TDI, and is it more expensive? Do you use different motor oil? Around here deisel costs the same as premium unleaded, does that fluctuate?
Thanks!

 

[FowVay]

Re: TDI Maint vs gas engine? (spongebob_squarepants)

As you might suspect the diesel is different from the gas powered vehicles. Oil changes are recommended at 10,000 mile intervals using diesel specific oil. Most people use a fully synthetic 5w-30 or 5w-40 which meets the API CH-4 rating (I chose to also look for the ACEA B4-98 and VW 505.00 standard as well). As you will find, this is a special oil and is usually $5.00/quart minimum (mobil delvac-1, Amsoil series 3000, dealer only Castrol, etc). Oil filters range from $6.50 to $10.00 depending on where you buy and most autoparts houses don't stock them for the diesel (in my area at least). You have a fuel filter that has a recommended change interval of 20,000 miles and it costs between $35 and $45 depending on where you buy. Timing belts are required at 40,000 miles for the automatic transmission and 60,000 miles for the 5-speed (not certain about the 2002 model) and the cost for this service ranges from $350 - $650. Most people are requiring their intercoolers and intake manifolds to be cleaned at 60,000 mile intervals. The cost for this service will vary widely and I have no idea what people pay. Most people use fuel additive which adds a few cents to each fill up. Air filters seem to dirty much quicker on the diesel engine also due to its high rate of airflow. I change mine at 15,000 mile intervals (annually at least) and these can range anywhere from $9.00 to $21.00. I believe this is just about it.
In comparison, my last gasoline powered automobile received oil changes at 5000 miles with easily available synthetic oil and OEM filters. Spark plugs were changed at 100,000 miles (platinum tipped). I changed the air filter annually, fuel filter at 100,000 miles. I had to clean the Inlet Air Control valve once at 130,000 miles. The engine had a timing chain instead of a belt so it was never touched. This vehicle was a extremely low maintenance machine and it operated wonderfully with 180,000 miles on it right up to the point that my wife crashed it.
Naturally there are other items to think about but these items (brakes, CV boots, etc.) are common items which relate not to the engine type. The TDI is a wonderful car and great fun to drive but it is different.
I have learned that the TDI is rather expensive to operate and this is somewhat offset by the incredible fuel economy it delivers. However, don't expect it to be as inexpensive to own as a Nissan Sentra. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[VeeeDoubleU]

Re: TDI Maint vs gas engine? (spongebob_squarepants)

I got a gas vehicle.
I change my fuel filter spark plugs, cap and rotor every 35,000 miles, and airfilter bout the same time.
the timing belt must be replaced at 50,000 miles. i broken timing belt can cause major engine damage, so its not really worth waiting it out.
FowVay
its not really fair to say that diesels are expensive to run. diesel costs relivly the same as gas, and when u service a diesel, there are fewer parts to buy. plus diesels tend to last forever!!

 

[GoFaster]

Re: TDI Maint vs gas engine? (VeeeDoubleU)

My TDI has certainly not been expensive to keep going; routine oil-filter changes; the occasional fuel filter / timing belt job that I do myself; that's about all. I'm not counting the standard car stuff (brakes, tires) because that's the same regardless of engine.
I've spent more on performance goodies than I have on TDI maintenance

The next major service at about 270,000 km - 6 months from now - is going to be expensive. Fuel filter, timing belt, I'm going to change the water pump for "insurance", go through the alternator and starter motor (again, for "insurance"), probably new glow plugs (still on the original ones). But this is all being done at about the time most gasoline engine vehicles are being put out to pasture ...

 

[spongebob_squarepants]

Re: TDI Maint vs gas engine? (GoFaster)

Thanks for the replies all. So a TDI gets oil changes every 5k or is it 10k? Salesman told me 5k miles, but the post above says 10k.
Are these routine maint intervals best done by a dealer then?
Should be picking up my TDI tomorrow!

 

[GoFaster]

Re: TDI Maint vs gas engine? (spongebob_squarepants)

Routine maintenance on mine happens in my driveway.
Picking up new one tomorrow? Congrats! Now check http://www.tdiclub.com for LOTS more info!

 

[tjl]

Re: TDI Maint vs gas engine? (spongebob_squarepants)

quote:[HR][/HR]Thanks for the replies all. So a TDI gets oil changes every 5k or is it 10k? Salesman told me 5k miles, but the post above says 10k.
[HR][/HR]​

Every 10000 miles there is a service interval. However, there is an oil change specified after the first 5000 miles. I.e. 5000, 10000, 20000, 30000, 40000, etc. The dealer may try to sell you oil changes at the 5000 mile intervals between the services every 10000 miles (some other VW engines do have this oil change interval, but not the TDI). Note that the 20000 mile services have more stuff in them. You'll need the Bentley manual if you want to do the oil changes and services yourself, although the schedule is given in the owner's manual.
Mobil Delvac 1 is the favorite oil at http://www.tdiclub.com . If it is too hard to find, Shell Rotella T Synthetic is available at Wal-Mart. Both come in the recommended 5W-40 grade and have the API CH-4 rating (supercedes the recommended CF-4 and CG-4 ratings; note that CF (without the -4) is not the same as CF-4). The Castrol Syntec 5W-40 that meets VW's requirements for TDI engines is not currently available at places other than VW dealers.