TDI in MT's 03 Golf

[TDI in MT]

Here's my 2003 Golf GL TDI. Did the ventectomy about a month ago, did the snowscreenectomy today. It was 3/4 plugged. Replaced various parts over the past month or so with more to do. If only the local junkyards had VW's! Replaced the windshield a month ago, first owner didn't know you should replace wiper blades...

Also, this is what a Golf looks like with a 2" lift kit.

[padroB5]

dammm i do have to agree its got some ground clearance

[TDI in MT]

The previous owner lived in Bozeman; his driveway was dirt and 500 feet long. I suspect that's why he put the lift kit on. I wouldn't have bothered, we don't get much snow here in Helena. But, being 6' 1" tall, I do like the higher height - makes it easier to get in. So I think I'm going to keep it on.

[padroB5]

if it makes it helpfull makes since to me lol. i lowered mine because my wife is 5 foot lol

[Roadhog]

lower.... it... ? kidding. Looks super clean.

[TDI in MT]

After resetting the trans. control module & removing the oversized snow tires a month ago, my fuel economy went from 34ish to 38 mpg. This is good! It also somewhat helped the shifting oddities but I still have them at times. (01m auto trans ) Still haven't had the chance to put it up on a lift and check the ATF fluid level - I'm hoping it's just low. Might be able to do that this weekend, along with running a can of Diesel Purge through it.

I had the coolant temp sensor replaced, that fixed the problem where the gauge would show anywhere from cold to 190*F, it stays at 190 now. But my brandy-new ScanGauge 2 shows the temp still acting weird, it will show 180-190*F and about every 5-7 seconds it will briefly (0.x second) show a value about 20* lower. Must have a wiring problem.... That same ScanGauge shows the trans fluid temp and it stays at whatever the temp is.

I think I have an engine mount either loose or broken; I hear a clunking sound when I back up or go forward.

[TDI in MT]

Ran the diesel purge through it yesterday, haven't noticed any difference. Also took off the hose to the EGR to have a look - only a thin film of oil in it; can still see the aluminum surface. One of the previous owners may have run bio-diesel in it, and back in the days of LSD, bio-diesel was probably the better choice since it's more of a solvent than petro-diesel.

[TDI in MT]

Finally got the new plastic cowl on (the thing at the base of the windshield). Old one was cracked (big crack, chunks missing) on the far right side so whenever it rained (or I washed the car) the cabin air filter would get wet. So would the pile of hood insulation and chewed up leaves found nearby, likely thanks to a mouse the previous owner told me about. That junk was vacuumed out.

It's been cracked for years I suspect, and the damp insulation & leaves would have caused rust in a more humid location.

And, I found the fuel filter's mickey mouse clip! Yes, it too was under the cowl. Eric @ VeeDubs noticed it was missing two months ago & fashioned a cotter pin to hold the filter top in place. Now I have the real thing that comes off with fingers, as it should.

Also learned that PB Blaster penetrating spray rocks. Never used it before. The wipers wouldn't come off the studs. 20 minutes after PB blasting, they did. I had the windshield replaced last month; I think the glass guy put the nuts on too tight.

40 mpg on today's trip to Billings. First time in the 40's.

[MT-Getto]

PB is the bee's knees! if you're getting parts in bozeman, check with the auto stop just off the Main Street exit. Good prices, weird stuff in stock, and next day on everything.

[TDI in MT]

PB is the bee's knees! if you're getting parts in bozeman, check with the auto stop just off the Main Street exit. Good prices, weird stuff in stock, and next day on everything.

PB is awesome for sure. Does Auto Stop stock VW stuff? Here in Helena we have a pretty good assortment of car parts places; NAPA, AutoZone, O'Reilly's, etc. but no VW dealers. For that we have to go to Great Falls or Bozeman.

The two junkyards here in town also don't have anything in the way of wrecked VW's. I could save a bunch of cash by finding a junker & stripping parts off of it. That plastic cowl was $100 @ MIG.