Is it normal for a 1.9 tdi to lose power as it ages?

Question

it tops 75 mph and lower and accelerate as fast as it used it about 100,000 miles a 2000 as well just in the winter it is very slow to accelerate is this normal used to be a little bit better

Answer 1

It should not lose significant power as it ages

Answer 2

Do a tune up which in this case is check the air cleaner and see it is clean. Throw in a new one if you are not sure. That'll help. Last time you changed the timing belt? If you haven't, it is time(or it will break and you will have a large paperweight in the driveway) Let the dealer do it for they have to time the fuel pump as well.
You didn't say automatic or manual, there could be some slippage in the tranny which would kill pickup. And yes, as you get older, you will slow down too. The dealer should be able to give you more insight to engine condition when indicate the problem.
Remember too, that winter fuel is a different mix compared to summer fuel and kerosene is what they add so the fuel doesn't gell in the lines. Kerosene has less energy than diesel.

Answer 3

The two guys suggesting to check the intake manifold for build-up sound like they have seen this before. Do not put gasoline or any volatile solvent into your fuel tank.Volatile solvents break down the lubricity of the diesel fuel which can increase heat and wear, and they lower the cetane rating, the point at which the fuel will ignite,causing pre-ignition,which will melt pistons.Pre-ignition may not be an issue in a direct -injected diesel,but the break-down of the upper cylinder lubrication could lead to rapid deterioration and excessive fuel and oil consumption.The best way to remove carbon is the old-fashioned knuckle-busting way.Take the part off.and clean it with scrapers and chemicals.Definitely replace the timing belt.Good Luck.

Answer 4

Yes they do! The main reason is build-up on the intakes. I just tore a 98 Beetle TDI down and the 4 inch intake was so packed due to the build up, the hole was only about as thick as a thumb. We tore down the top of the engine and removed all build up and put back together. She is running as new!

Go to this site for more info on TDI's and help from VW enthusiasts who are willing to help at no charge!

www.tdiclub.com

Answer 5

If you haven't done any maintenance on the car, then yes. Any vehicle will lose power the longer it is neglected.

If you have some simple hand tools and a modicum of intelligence, you should be able to do most of the items necessary to get it running correctly again. If not, shop around, and find someone to do it for you.

First, replace the glow plugs (since it is a diesel, it uses these instead of spark plugs). Change the air filter, and the breather filter (if it has one). You should already be changing your oil every 3000-5000 miles. You should probably find some kind of fuel system cleaner for diesel vehicles, and use it.

If none of these things improve the acceleration, then you may need to borrow some gauges and check the compression to see if the engine is getting ragged out - It is also possible that a malfunctioning sensor is causing it not to accelerate properly, you may have to take it to someone to have it checked out.

Answer 6

the tdi engines have a tendency to get carbon buildup in the intake manifolds due to the egr system. you can check yours by removing the intake pipe going to the throttle body. look inside with a flashlight and you will most likely see that there is only a hole about 1/2 inch big due to the carbon buildup. you can remove the carbon by removing the intake manifold and soaking it in brake and parts cleaner, then use a screw driver and remove the bulk of the carbon. once you have removed the bulk of the carbon take the manifold outside and using a mini torch light the carbon on fire and let it burn till it goes out.

Answer 7

you might have a little sludge in there. try filling up with diesel and putting about 2 gallons of PREMIUM AMOCO fuel into it with the full tank, that should clean it out.