Tandem pump leak recall

Hello,

Fuel is leaking from the tandem pump in my 100k mile, 04 Golf TDI PD. I found details for the TP recall on Alldata. My pump matches the replacement criteria in all aspects EXCEPT the VIN. It has the same mfgr/ part#, no green paint marks, and its leaking. In colder weather (40'sF at night) it has become nearly impossible to start, and the clutch slips intermittently. I believe these are also caused by the leaking pump. The cold has also increase the leak to a steady drip.

Obviously since the VIN is outside the bracket, VW has refused to address the issue as part of the recall. I called NHTSA, VW America, and a local dealer. NHTSA actually sent a follow up letter several weeks later.

I don't expect VW to pay for clutch repairs, but it sure would suck to pay for a pump when (seems to me) the recall fits so well.

The recall states some 19000 units are effected in North America. All have LUK pump #038 145 209E.

Any suggestions?

Buy a new pump. Buy the new coolant hose(s) it most certainly trashed from underneath, spray some dish soap in your bellhouse through the timing plug, run it, rinse thoroughly with water, and motor on.

I replace quite a few of these.

Yes, unfortunately you are on your own. Here are the parts you need:

http://tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=29_115&products_id=1407

AND

http://tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=76_102&products_id=764

AND

http://tdiparts.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=76_102&products_id=726

and a good long weekend to install these. You are on your own.

You may be able to fix the leak by replacing the tandem pump gasket. The new gasket is of a totally different, more robust, design.

My '04 is out of the VIN range for this recall too, and I have the LUK pump as well. The dealer actually had me come in and wait and then sent me home with no replacement. Under (outside) of the VIN range. I have had no issues, though.

The stock clutches on the PDs are right at the slippage point anyway. I used "Gunk" brand degreaser on the engine and then had a slipping clutch and replaced with the G60/VR-6. Nice feel, but I have a mild power upgrade and this clutch slips a little now. If you do not upgrade the power output, the G60/VR-6 should be fine

You have a slipping clutch due to the fuel leak. You can go to a dependable single mass flywheel and have 25% more clamping force with the set-up I posted the link to. The dual mass flywheel will be replaced too. These fail fairly regularly on the TDIs and can cause transaxle failure from case punctures.

--Nate