Ok, this is my first post, so take it easy on me guys.
I've read almost all 100 + pages, so here goes.
My story so far -
I bought a used Golf tdi manual, about a month ago. Has about 9000 miles on it. Drove it around for a few weeks and love it.
About a week ago I experienced my first problem. The engine was just getting warmed up. I'm at a stoplight and need to merge over across two lanes of traffic, so that I can get onto the highway ramp. So I decide to really launch this thing for the first time from a standstill. I time the light perfectly and have the guy beside me beat. My foot is on the floor and I'm ready to grab second gear when - Bang! Nothing... No rpms. I'm coasting through the intersection dead in the water.
So I cycle the key switch and try to get it going as fast as I can since I'm now basically blocking traffic. The engine fires up and runs fine. No warning lights come on or anything.
I go out to the car a few days later to let it warm up before a day of holiday travel. The car seems so have a vibration at idle, almost like the engine is shaking and missing. Nothing major, but noticeable.
That same day I was heading home and I had just gotten off the highway. Two lanes of south bound traffic funnel down into one lane just after a stop light. Light turns green. I feed it some clutch and go full fuel. Tires give me a little chirp, car launches great, revs building to about 3000, and wham!.... Nothing. Cycle the key, and it fires right up. I'm frustrated as the car slowly rolls through the intersection. I punch the throttle again, revs build and wham! .... Nothing. Pull over onto the shoulder and let it sit for a minute. Car fires up and runs fine. No dash warning lights.
So I take it to the dealership this morning. I have the car serviced and fuel lines updated. They test drive the car and can't duplicate the problem I describe. I was expecting them to find some type of code or "logged event". They find nothing and tell me to "try using the torque of the diesel a little more and not rev it up to the limiter". I laugh that comment off and try to explain my symptoms and situation a little better. They tell me they would be happy to look at it again as soon as it acts up.
So. I drive the car to my fathers shop, put the car onto the lift, and see what I can come up with. Pull the passenger side intercooler pipe off and about half a cup of clear water comes out, the pipes are coated with the greenish sludge like others have posted pics of. I pull the drivers side pipe off and find some clean engine oil residue and another half cup of water. I’m bummed.
Go back to the dealer and ask about TSB # 21 11 06 / 2025464 and if my problem could be related to water in the intercooler. He says he can't open another work order until the problem acts up again. I explain that I've just hypothetically inspected the intercooler and found water. He gladly schedules me in for another appointment tomorrow.
Overall I'm happy with the dealers actions. They do seem like they are trying to help me out. But, they do seem a little clueless about this problem.
Here's my questions for you guys - What do you think they will do tomorrow? Wipe out the sludge and send me on my way? Order an updated intercooler kit? Tell me they can't fix it until the engine is locked up?
This is my first VW, and surprisingly the first major auto breakdown I've ever had.
Thanks