09wingates
Well-known member
So this is my first winter to own a TDI. Here is west Tx the winter is starting to come and like every diesel engine this one doesn't enjoy it quite so much. It still starts fine it just takes a extra second or so to fire but once it fires and is driven it starts right up provided its still kinda warm. Last weekend I replaced the o-ring on the IP head and it ran way better. Since then the cold has hit and it is doing the common idle stumble when slowing down, at a stop light etc. It would do this rarely when it was warmer outside but it is practically stumbling all over itself when its below 35 deg or so outside. Once you accelerate it runs like a champ and cruises just fine. With this the fuel mileage has dropped which I know happens to any engine during the cold from winter blend fuel etc. I have been reading the thermostat problems that are common but I put a brand new thermostat in it about a month ago but it very well could be keeping the motor too cold. I don't know what the pop open temp on it is but it was a quality kit from ID parts. It could very well be I got a hold of a bad tank of diesel and I have put some additive in it to help but I haven't noticed much improvement thus far. I dont have access to VCDS so I know it may be hard to diagnose timing issues. I will check other common things like the ASV and vacuum lines this weekend. Any ideas will be greatly appreciated. 02 Beetle ALH 5spd with 274K. Thanks
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