Hi all,
So I finally broke down and bought a modern car, a 1998 Jetta TDI. Some history on the car: Guy bought it w/ broken timing belt, bought rebuilt head, new injectors and glow plugs, and head gasket (I asked him about the notches, he said original HG was 2-notch, and that is what's on the car now). It needs a new starter switch, and the PO before him, installed a remote button to get it started. Also, for some reason, installed an Audi radio of comparable vintage. Got it home 98 miles, and the very next morning started having a misfiring issue when starting cold (16 deg F). It is repeatable, happening every time it starts after sitting for over 5-6 hours. The first 2-3 starts it dies after stumbling for about 5 seconds, with blue/white smoke coming from the tailpipe. After eventually getting it to start and idle, attempting to accelerate, either from a stand still or while moving, causes it to stumble and die again. Once I let it run for a bit I am able to accelerate without it bogging down, but feels gutless until about 2400 rpm, with smoke front he tailpipe and sometimes feeling like the turbo is not spooling.
Checked so far:
-Pump cog and cam timing (OK)
-Pump internal timing w/ VAG-COM (over advanced, readjusted; problem still persists)
-Will install fuel filter today
What the hey could be causing this issue? Could the PO have botched the head job (what I'm leaning towards)? Could I have air getting into the pump (saw some bubbles from filter feed line; tightened clamp and diminished; hope internals aren't cavitated)? Is there a sensor that can go bad, causing this to happen? Ignition switch causing this, or K-wire feedback due to wrong radio? I know this thing can run good, It's done it before. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks!