Seeking comments on 1Z/ALH tdi motors vs later tdi motors

[bigblockchev]

I am thinking of upgrading to a later model of Jetta or Passat . does anyone have any real world experience with the differences. I understand that the timing belt on later model TDIs is quite pricey to replace. Cheers Dan

[myke_w]

You are posting this in the wrong section. This is the Buy and Sell topic.


That said,

You are correct in your thinking that the later models are more pricey.

You have to take the passenger side motor mount out, alomg with the coolant bottle, powers steering reservoir, lower intercooler piping etc, there are 3 idler rollers, one tensioner and the water pump is driven off the timing belt.

the bolts that hold the idlers and the vertical bolts in the mount and the ones in the pump get changed at the service interval.

I'd stick to the AHU / 1Z for simplicity (one belt, one idler, one tensioner, and if you wanna be really thorough do the cam and int shaft seal). Mileage is generally better in those models too. Only downside there is that the Service interval is 60 thousand. ALH (once upgraded with large bearing lower roller and "m" suffix belt is good for 80 (some say 100, I stay with 80).

[burn_your_money]

moved