StevesTruck

I just bought a big bag of the right size panhead screws and another one of speed fasteners off ebay ages ago. If you search for VW undertray screws, you'll get something the right size.

I've got to admit I'm not sure how you set the level on these boxes or if it's a hot or cold level.

That's the right amount to fill the box from empty, but on a change, you never truly get all the old stuff out.

From what I can see, that's the right spec. There's 2 different VAG part numbers for the oil. G005100A1 for up to 2005 and G052157a2 for after that date. Is there a chance you could have over filled it?

🤣 I once lost quite a decent tape deck when my dad borrowed my Fiat Panda and forgot to take the front of it. He couldn't work out how they got in without doing any damage. My theory is they peeled the gaffa tape off that made up the top of the door skin, lifted the lock, then smoothed the tape back down.

The old Novas were fairly easy to get into with a coat hanger.

I did one on a Polo 1.6TDI the other week. I used a Laser 6710 Ball End Hex Bit 1/2" 5mm (tenner off Amazon), and it worked well. It's probably worth throwing a couple of bolts back in while you work on the awkward one. When I was putting the bolts back, I used a wrap or two of masking tape to hold the awkward ones on the bit. Yeah, it left a bit of tape behind, but it's on back side of the flywheel and will probably break up fairly quickly. Make sure you save the best 2/3 bolts to put back at the gearbox end, rather than any that are a bit chewed.

But VAG call it a "Quick Acting Coupling"

Petrol or diesel? Either way, 100k on a timing belt, that's definitely getting your money's worth, I'd be changing that before now.

Wouldn't have thought so somehow 🤣

They're called "blind" or "blanking" grommets. You order them based on the diameter of the hole. You should be able to find either the size you need or an assorted pack fairly easily online, maybe eBay or Amazon.

Does it rev freely in neutral? When you say you can't access vcds, do you mean you haven't got it, or it's not connecting, or it's not working properly? Has it worked properly since you worked on the vac system? I managed to cross a couple of vac lines on my 1.9 Octavia, it was ok to start with, but then suddenly would be well down on power. After a day it would barely run. I'm wondering if you might have run the wrong hose to the actuator, which is pretty much what I did.

Not easily, no. The easiest way is to take the pipe off the filter and run the fuel pump (either via bypassing the relay or flicking the key many, many times).

Having worked around the retail sector for a very long time, no, the customer isn't always right. I've dropped a fuel pump nozzle in a similar way resulting in diesel going down the leg of a decent pair of trousers and over my shoe. My fault, I didn't check it was hooked on right before I let go. I've also whacked the tank on my last motorbike with a fuel pump nozzle because the hose was a bit tangled on the one next to it. That left a mark, it was my fault though for not being more careful.

Probably a bit late, but try https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/vagbolts I've used them a few times.

How'd you know he was on his way to work? 😁

At the very minimum, I'd replace 10+11 on the fronts and 8 on the rears, because they do get grubby and corrode, so don't normally come out without a fight.

Exactly

The chip shops normally return used oil via an arrangement with their supplier. Other establishments normally have to pay for the collection, so theres a chance there. To be fair, I've not really heard of anyone running on it in at least 5 years, so you've got a fair chance of finding a source of oil. The other one I used to do was filter and separate the water from waste engine oil and throw a bit of that in the tank with the veg oil.

I'd be thinking is a timing issue.

The other one I've used when I've been stuck is a G-clamp. Not elegant, but it works.

Not quite as unlikely as someone stealing the 15" steelies off mine - I've got no idea why it had locking wheel nuts on when I bought it 🤣

Is it an old-fashioned twist on can type? I normally just put a couple of latex gloves on and use the force. Cup wrench sockets are the best option if you can find one to fit. A mate has one of these and he says it's good https://www.halfords.com/tools/hand-tools/automotive-tools/halfords-advanced-adjustable-oil-filter-remover-926527.html When you order the new one, have a shop around for one with a hexagon on the end so you can just put a socket on next time (Bosch filters normally have this feature). Worst case, sharpen an old screwdriver and bludgeon it through the side of the filter and use that to lever it round.

There's quite a bit of adjustment on the subframe mounts. I haven't done a golf/oct conversaion, but generally speaking if I'm dropping a subframe, I tend to paint around the old frame with some primer, then line the new one up to the edge of the paint mark, so I've got the best chance of getting it put on square.

It's been a long time since I've done it. I used to run an Astravan on veg oil, but that's going back 15 years. I always took the rule of thumb to be if it's a Bosch pump, it's got a chance of working, anything else, don't even try. I always thought the older VE pumps, be it D/TD/TDI were ok if they had a Bosch pump, but the PD and SDI aren't at all.