Opinions on a TDI I am looking at

[fdnyguy]

Hey guys;

Looked at a 98 TDI with 150k. I can live with the normal MK3 rust, but I have one problem. The shop guy says he replaced the TB (says being the key word) but when under acceleration, the3 exhaust reminds me of a charcoal grill odor. Possibly the timing is off and not burning completely? If anyone would know, it would be you guys.

Thanks in advance, as usual.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

[vanbcguy]

The TDI has a cat, so the exhaust will smell different than a 1.6 car would.

Other than that how is it? Starting properly? Does it sound like a bag of hammers? Any white smoke?

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[8v-of-fury]

My AHU when it was still in the mk3 and I was test driving it for validity smelled friggan weird. I would get more "pee-eww" faces than the 1.6's and even the same motor now with no cat or muffler.

The injectors likely need a cleaning in the least, and it could benefit having the timing checked.

[the4ork]

if the timing was far enough off to affect anything there would be engine damage already

i'd look into combustion efficiency at this point (compression, and injector wear)

[fdnyguy]

I've seen better looking MK3's on kijiji and may fly up and check them out. Anyone up there wants to make a few $$ checking them out for me if Tyler cant make it, I'd appreciate it. Then again, Tyler suggests I put a turbo on the N/A and be happy.

FWIW, while my mechanical skills are piss poor, most diesel exhaust I noticed tended to have a 'sweet' smell.This had a smell of  new charcoal just ignited in the grill.  Last year ,  we had a spare rig in my firehouse did the same thing. Only so bad it brought tears to your  eyes. And this 'odor' out of the exhaust reminded me of that spare rig.

You guys are the best. Thanks again.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

[vanbcguy]

"tears to your eyes" usually goes along with retarded timing...

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[fdnyguy]

"tears to your eyes" usually goes along with retarded timing...

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From reading tons of posts over the years (and not understanding many of them....lol) the timing is the first thing that came to mind. He stated the TB was changed. But i am turned off to the fasct that he is selling the car as 60k, yet has 150 on it. Tho he was 'honest' enough to say that the cluster was replaced.

Kijiji,here i come.

Enjoy the summer, thanks to all.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.