Took my 2.0 diesel in for a variable service at a skoda dealer mostly because I assumed that they would routinely use the VAG dignostics to check engine performance such as "timing". The mpg has been dropping back recently even after allowing for winter running with headlights and air temperature. (ie when the weather is cold the mpg drops)

They were somewhat nonplussed that anyone would check the engine performance at a service. It's not even on the service task schedule.

Am I still living in the 1970's when the first thing I would fish out of my toolbox was my trusty old strobe lamp! Maybe engine management is all done nowadays by the chip, and it is just ignored, unless something horrible happens.

At £1.35 / litre I dont want it rechipped for performance, I want it rechipped for 75mpg !

A VAG dealer is the last place I'd take it if you want it to run properly.

The timing on the PD engines is fixed from the flywheel and will always be correct. The cam timing can theoretically be out but this is only set when the belt is changed. In practice, it doesn't make a lot of difference as long as it's within VAG's tolerance which is +/- 3 deg if I remember correctly. If the correct locking tools are used when the belt is changed, it's unlikely to be out.

Poor economy is most likely due to a blocked air cleaner element - VAG's schedule is crazy and the dealers don't always change them. I would never run an air cleaner beyond 20k miles and I would clean out the air box and knock the dust off the element every 10k miles. These engines use a lot of air.

If you have a 2.0 PD take out a comprehensive engine warranty - the oil pump drives self-destruct which wrecks the engine.

rotodiesel.

Edited 9 February, 201115 yr by rotodiesel

2 tins of injector cleaner, one in the tank, one in the filter, you'll be up by 20% by the end of the week.

Snake oil.

rotodiesel.

Thanks Rotodiesel. Good tip. They havn't changed the air filter so I will do that. But they have oiled all the locks and checked the tyre pressures. But then what do you expect for only £150/hour.

I am a member of the unfortunately not so exclusive club of being on my second engine. First oil pump failed at 32,000 at 2 years old.(phew) Which is partly why I am so paranoid about keeping an eye on the state of the new one. Which I have just realised has almost done 30,000 miles too

Edited 10 February, 201115 yr by gremlin

If you want to keep it, i'd purchase a bullet proof warranty from main dealer....mine died at 38k odd miles :S .Might cost a bit.....but at least you be well covered with no excuses.

Just to resurrect this thread, I'm thinking of buying a 54 plate Superb PD 130 Comfort with 60k. Can I assume that an oil pump failure would have happened by now or should I check it's already been changed?

Anything else to watch out for?

Cheers in advance

Just to resurrect this thread, I'm thinking of buying a 54 plate Superb PD 130 Comfort with 60k. Can I assume that an oil pump failure would have happened by now or should I check it's already been changed?

Anything else to watch out for?

Cheers in advance

oil pump failure comes free with every 2.0 140 engine bought. So sorry, you don't get a free failure if you buy a 130.

Edited 17 February, 201115 yr by sidewaze samm

oil pump failure comes free with every 2.0 140 engine bought. So sorry, you don't get a free failure if you buy a 130.

Phew! Good to know. Cheers