Hello all,

My 1.9TDI is coming up to the magic 100k and I was wondering what I should consider keeping an eye out for to make sure it can celebrate its 200k. I do my own basic servicing according to the schedule and leave anything major to Unit 18. I don't scrimp on oil or filters, do an Italian tune up if I haven't done motorways for a while, redex it every two months and keep on top of any fault codes which come up.

When upgrading from the MPI to the TDI in March, I was forewarned about potentially bank breaking repair bills, particularly with the turbo. Obviously, the MPI was easy to work on, but my auto-repair knowledge is limited. I've tried to learn as much as I can since owning my first car (that MPI) last summer....everything I've gained is all down to you kind folk and Haynes.

Could anyone point out what symptoms I should look out for which could predict catastrophic failure, like with the turbo, clutch or any other expensive part? Are there any parts you would advise I get changed/upgraded/cleaned that's not in the service schedule to make sure it keeps running sweetly and returns decent mpgs?

I hope to keep mine till it's only worthy of scrap as I'm quite attached to my TDI now...

Let the car idle for 30 secs at the end of every journey. This will allow cooler oil reach the turbo, preventing "hot shutdown". Should help to keep it healthy.

It's just run-in. Ignore air filter change schedule and change more often (annually/ 10-15K) will help mpg.. All the other things to help keep a smooth future are non-specific e.g. lots of winter washer added as pipes freeze and disemble (?sp), ensure handbrake system gets a full clean and lube at every service. Although the gearbox oil is not down for changing, a lot of people have found it worth doing at around 100K. Cleaning EGR (lots of threads) is also worth doing and again 100K is around right.

One thing worth checking is the condition of the cam/followers, Mine went at 103k miles.

And most importantly of all (for all cars), let the engine warm up before you put any substantial revs into it.

Keep the servicing up to date with regular oil changes of a good quality - 507.00 spec oil for example. Don't boot the car when the engine is cold, I let mine run for 30 seconds before driving and then again just before shutting the engine down (as mentioned a few times ^^) also change the cam belt + water pump at the correct intervals.

Just dropped mine off at the local Skoda garage this morning for it's 140k major service

Thanks a lot, everyone. I didnt know about the cooling before switching off! Is 30sec enough or am I supposed to wait till the temp indicator starts to come down from the vertical position? I will look into the other things you all have suggested.

How often should the gear box oil be changed? Is it with every brake fluid renewal?

Regarding the air filter, I put in a K&N panel filter....what's the right way to clean that at every oil change? I thought I read somewhere about oiling it....

Thanks a lot, everyone. I didnt know about the cooling before switching off! Is 30sec enough or am I supposed to wait till the temp indicator starts to come down from the vertical position? I will look into the other things you all have suggested.

How often should the gear box oil be changed? Is it with every brake fluid renewal?

Regarding the air filter, I put in a K&N panel filter....what's the right way to clean that at every oil change? I thought I read somewhere about oiling it....

You'll be waiting a long change for the temp gauge to drop.

Personally I've never bothered with cool downs. Unless you drive right up to your house at 100mph, the bit of slow driving you do before parking will be enough.

The standard air filter is absolutely fine so long as it's replaced regularly. A few MAFs have been killed by over oiling panel filters. There is no difference in performance with the standard, unless you are pushing big (250+) bhp.

Gearbox oil is supposed to be sealed for life but it's a good idea to replace it every 100,000 miles or so. Brake fluid should be done every 2 years.

The most important thing you can do with a PD engine is to service it regularly with the correct grade of oil (VW 505 01).

http://www.knfilters.com/cleaning.htm

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_180914_langId_-1_categoryId_165660

Many thanks for the info and the links.

Hello all,

My 1.9TDI is coming up to the magic 100k and I was wondering what I should consider keeping an eye out for to make sure it can celebrate its 200k. I do my own basic servicing according to the schedule and leave anything major to Unit 18. I don't scrimp on oil or filters, do an Italian tune up if I haven't done motorways for a while, redex it every two months and keep on top of any fault codes which come up.

When upgrading from the MPI to the TDI in March, I was forewarned about potentially bank breaking repair bills, particularly with the turbo. Obviously, the MPI was easy to work on, but my auto-repair knowledge is limited. I've tried to learn as much as I can since owning my first car (that MPI) last summer....everything I've gained is all down to you kind folk and Haynes.

Could anyone point out what symptoms I should look out for which could predict catastrophic failure, like with the turbo, clutch or any other expensive part? Are there any parts you would advise I get changed/upgraded/cleaned that's not in the service schedule to make sure it keeps running sweetly and returns decent mpgs?

I hope to keep mine till it's only worthy of scrap as I'm quite attached to my TDI now...

Took my Toledo PD130 (remapped) from 96k to 180k before changing to the Fabia. Would have gone on to over 200k if I had kept it. Just regularly changed the oil...also the fuel filter more often than suggested. I also let engine idle for 10/15 secs after every journey. seems to have worked for me. no egr and disconnected oil breather helped as well.