New to diesel... - Troubleshooting - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

New to diesel... by Vohaul on 31 Jul, 2009 22:02
with my 93 1.9 turbo diesel Jetta....

I love this thing...850km+ to a tank..runs like a top.....

just a quick question...

After sitting for more than a couple hours, when you start it, it puffs a small bit of white smoke out the tailpipe and runs rough (like its missing) for like 5 seconds....then it smooths right out and has no problems at all until i let it sit for more than a few hours again.....is this a normal "diesel" thing? or something i should be at all worried about?

Also, what is with the gear ratio in 5th gear on this car....(feels like im doing about 3-4000 rpm at 120kmh....) (i wouldnt know exactly as there is a clock where the tach should be:)

Thanks all

Paul
#1 by rabbitman on 31 Jul, 2009 22:49
Look on the bottom of your bell housing and get the 2-3 letter code and then check here: http://www.scirocco.org/gears/
#2 by jtanguay on 04 Aug, 2009 11:37
you should probably change the fuel filter. there could be a little bit of air entering the lines when you let the car sit, and the rough running is just the purging of the air.
#3 by Rabbit TD on 10 Aug, 2009 15:36
It's amazing how much these things can smoke from excess fuel and burning oil like they do and still get mileage as good as a new Prius.
#4 by jtanguay on 11 Aug, 2009 18:58
Quote from: Rabbit TD on 10 Aug, 2009 15:36
It's amazing how much these things can smoke from excess fuel and burning oil like they do and still get mileage as good as a new Prius.

and with our cars, any blind dude will know to run when he/she hears us coming, but not from the prius... especially if the driver is busy watching the mileage display
#5 by stewardc on 12 Aug, 2009 06:36
The smoke and rough idle at startup are normally glow plugs (1 or more is burned out). Do the engine a favour and replace all of them.
#6 by Rabbit TD on 21 Aug, 2009 18:34
Quote from: jtanguay on 11 Aug, 2009 18:58
Quote from: Rabbit TD on 10 Aug, 2009 15:36
It's amazing how much these things can smoke from excess fuel and burning oil like they do and still get mileage as good as a new Prius.

and with our cars, any blind dude will know to run when he/she hears us coming, but not from the prius... especially if the driver is busy watching the mileage display
You're right, I work with a lady that has a Prius. She says she is always scaring people in parking lots like Wal-Mart and isn't even trying to. They definately hear and smell me around them