Hello! I've just joined this forum - thanks for any help you can offer!

I bought a second-hand 2005 Skoda 1.4 Tdi Bohemia estate, with 111k on the clock. I'm not earning much and the price was tempting. I bought it knowing that the clutch pdeal was very high, but it drove and handled well, so I took the chance. Now I've had a chance to give it a proper look over, I wonder if I can get some advice from you kind fellows? 1.The clutch pedal is very high, but does not slip or make noises. Does this mean the clutch is on its way out or is there an adjustment to make?  I kind of expect that it might need a new clutch. 2. I removed the oil cap and when it starts there is a noisy, steady, regular tapping or knocking. Not noticable when the cap is on. I heard that the diesel engine on Skoda's is a bit noisy, so is this normal? Or is it a worn tappet noise or a sign of something worse - any advice or informed guesses? There is a little smoke too. Might just need fresh oil? Testing the dip-stick oil, to me, it seems a little thin.

Anyway, hoping I haven't bought a lemon and planning to spend some money sorting out these issues. Any help or advice gratefully received! Your with best wishes, Jules.

A high clutch pedal is to be expected on a 111k diesel, as long as it's not slipping in top gear then it's OK, just treat it gently, DON'T short shift into top early, just drive it normally since long pulls at peak torque in top gear is what wears out clutches quickest.

 

A noisy tappet is nothing to worry about, by all means change the oil but make you use the right stuff, look for VW 507.00 on the can, it MUST be approved for PD use.

1 minute ago, sepulchrave said:

A high clutch pedal is to be expected on a 111k diesel, as long as it's not slipping in top gear then it's OK, just treat it gently, DON'T short shift into top early, just drive it normally since long pulls at peak torque in top gear is what wears out clutches quickest.

 

A noisy tappet is nothing to worry about, by all means change the oil but make you use the right stuff, look for VW 507.00 on the can, it MUST be approved for PD use.

Thank you sepulchrave! Good tip about the oil! Cheers.

@JHowe

1.  A high (hydraulic) clutch is quite normal. I don't have a full history for my car but it's done at least 70_000 miles on the current clutch, which has always been fairly high.
2. Does the tappet noise reduce as the engine warms up? If so, an oil change should reduce it, but I'll repeat the instruction to use VW 507.00 quality specification oil and nothing else.

19 minutes ago, KenONeill said:

@JHowe

1.  A high (hydraulic) clutch is quite normal. I don't have a full history for my car but it's done at least 70_000 miles on the current clutch, which has always been fairly high.
2. Does the tappet noise reduce as the engine warms up? If so, an oil change should reduce it, but I'll repeat the instruction to use VW 507.00 quality specification oil and nothing else.

Thanks Ken. When I tested the car it had already been running around and I didn't hear any noticable noise. When I started it today I heard the noise. I'll run it around tomorrow and have a listen. The clutch pedal is high as in the last 2 or 4 cms. I'll have a drive tomorrow and see how it goes. Thanks for your help!

On 17/08/2022 at 19:03, JHowe said:

Thank you sepulchrave! Good tip about the oil! Cheers.

A thorough oil change, not just quick cold drain, could help more than expected, also change the air filter and check the inside of the ducting is reasonably clean, for a car and diesel at that, remember GIGO with computers this is SISO.

 

The following video is relevant despite it's title and initial purpose.

 

Good luck