i just bought a 1.6D jetta but it gets ~30mpg and smokes...

[the4ork]

doesnt smoke bad, only at WOT and its just enough to notice, but imo it shoulnt smoke at all, and i think there is something up with the motor since its getting 2/3 the gas mileage it should get... only about 270-280miles on 9 gallons....

so yeah i heard that you have to time the injection pump or else the motor wont run right but niether of my vw books have ANYTHING about diesels and i dont have any idea how to do it, i can time the crap out of a gas motor though so i just need to be told how

and i have no fuel leaks, new fuel filter, and new oil and oil filter...

so its gotta be a pump issue

[chrissev]

doesnt smoke bad, only at WOT and its just enough to notice, but imo it shoulnt smoke at all, and i think there is something up with the motor since its getting 2/3 the gas mileage it should get... only about 270-280miles on 9 gallons....

so yeah i heard that you have to time the injection pump or else the motor wont run right but niether of my vw books have ANYTHING about diesels and i dont have any idea how to do it, i can time the crap out of a gas motor though so i just need to be told how

and i have no fuel leaks, new fuel filter, and new oil and oil filter...

so its gotta be a pump issue

re:  timing:  you need some special tools.  Go to vwdieselparts.com and look up diesel timing tools to see what they look like and the specifications.  You can source them yourself or get someone to machine them for you.  Or just buy them.  When you get the tools come back and I'll tell you how to use them.  It's very easy.  

also check your air filter.  If it is clogged that can be your problem for poor fuel economy.

[dieselweasel]

What year is it?  '85 and prior have solid lifters that need periodic adjustment.  How many miles on the engine?  How's the tire pressures?
Does it start and run well?

[the4ork]

yeah i didnt check the thermostat but the temp gauge runs ~ the middle usually, sometimes just slightly cooler.... going up the mountain it was slightly warmer of course....


tire pressure is good, i set it using a digital tire pressure gauge and the specs rated on the tire...

also im running a new ITG filter and its been oiled as well.

yes its pre-85, an 82 actually. so i guess i have the ghey solid lifters. can those be adjusted myself? what kind of tools would i need for that? is it pretty involved?

it starts really easy if you let the glow plugs warm up for a few seconds, and it runs pretty good. its gutless though. i can only reach a max speed of 70-75

[Mark(The Miser)UK]

Hi
The only tool you need for timing is a dial gauge and extension bar/inner.
Until toy have that; a check you could do is to get a steel rule and a set of feeler gauges. Remove cam cover and set cam so #1 cylinder is on compression stroke with cam lobes  pointing up from block. turn engine by hand  until rule(er) slots into slot at far end of cam. Take up the sloppiness by inserting the required number of feeler gauges.  Now look at the flywheel for the TDC timing mark. It should be correct. If it is wrong then this could be a source of poor economy.Incorrect tightening of 'floating cam sprocket' can be a cause of this missalignment. To change sprocket on the cam needs to be loosened and realigned. Later this setup can be repeated and the pump checked to see if it is aligned with the other items when you have the gauge. Try pushing a bolt through the locking holes to check ballpark position of pump...

[dieselweasel]

Based on the above, I would set the timing and adjust the valves, then go from there.  You do need special tools to adjust the valves although I've never done it...search around, there's gotta be some info.

[Mark(The Miser)UK]

Based on the above, I would set the timing and adjust the valves, then go from there.  You do need special tools to adjust the valves although I've never done it...search around, there's gotta be some info.

Yes I think there is a special 'crow bar' type tool for the valves; but I've never used one. Just get your feeler gauges and  measure gaps from back of cam lobes to shims. Write them all down. Only if there is under sized gaps (to the point of valve not shutting properly) or enormous gaps will that affect general driving economy. Leave car in gear at TDC release tension on belt 'tippex' pump pulley/belt slacken bearing caps on cam and lift out of spec shims measure thenm and see if any can be swapped. They are numbered with their sizes so replacements can be found...
I think that's about it.... But I may have missed something
good luck