Mk1 Octavia 1.9Tdi 110bhp

Right, where to start

1.9 Tdi, Octavia I, 110bhp, think its pre dpf, 2001.

I've a bit of a problem and I want to do some maintenance and looking for advice.

I did a search based on what the main issue is, and I've been reading the forum yesterday and plenty of topics and links and a few other forums to get a start and Ive picked up a bit, but Ive read so much, I'm unsure where to start, but a few ideas what might be the problem/s.

Basically, when you put the foot down, there is no power, Ive read this elsewhere and from all the other topics started by other members,

It looks like I could have a stuck or sticking VNT?? (variable nozzle turbine?, is that correct description?)

I cant operate the servo for the turbo as I cant find it, but thats just from looking without taking covers off.

Ive come across the MAF and MAP sensors during reading, but havent located them in the engine bay, although it seems obvious where the MAF is and the MAP, not sure if they are a problem as of yet, a very quick scan of the hoses from above and tubing looks like no problem but really needs a very detailed examination.

My economy was pretty good until the last full tank, but on a few instances I put the foot down there, normally I take it handy and not doing much miles, while I want to give it welly, Im not keen till I sort out some other things sorted, need to get around to an oil and filter change urgently, find out when the timing needs to be done, which concerns me for really driving it hard. I've looked up doing the timing, but Im more inclined to get it done, as I only have car since last year, I dotn want to make things worse than I have by delaying doing some really important stuff, fingers crossed, ist not consuming oil, get my asus in gear and do that change in the next few days.

Im thinking of disconnecting the MAF and maybe based on advice, cleaning it? if there is no difference then it might rule out a problem till I get a VAG connection. What can I clean it with (IPA Ive read, or maybe diesel?) and is it based on if it looks dirty inside? I have read not to touch the sensor wire, but have read where people say they cleaned it with a cue tip? I thought you might not be able to mark it at all?? and just spray it with a mild solvent till it was clean?

Next question, what kind of diagnostic software can I get? is it vcds or vag com? found a website (ross tech) and was told by someone to not register if I got a cable, but not sure if it was for a cable from there or ebay they meant)

I want to replace the oil pickup strainer and have read its the same part as a petrol engine model, but also to do the turbo banjo and oil supply line. I read some where the banjo bolt was an essential item to do, but cant find it now. Is the oil line an essential, seems if its intact it could stay put, if I did the supply, Id probably do the return too. 

whats the opinion on this?

I may end up having to clean the turbo. if I can locate the actuator and check to see if it operates or not at all, it doesnt look like a terrible job, just getting the bits off to access and remove it looks like it could be the worse part of that job. But I prefer to locate the problem before doing anywork. If I need to clean it, what to use? diesel or some other propriety cleaner or some specific turbo cleaner.

I also want to check all the piping to the intercooler and air lines and vac lines are sound.

If I have the turbo out, can I bypass it and still run the car?? or is it just going to require piping that arent available (I dont have any VAG spares laying about), might that do damage?

from reading, it seems like its the N95 or is it N97 that operates the variable vanes on the turbo, (with the MAF and MAP as inputs giving details back to the computer as control)

Edited 3 April, 201412 yr by Mercurial