VW TDI update:
At the CT dealership, the following work and results were noted:
1. Fuel filter gasket replaced.
2. Serpentine belt replaced.
3. Timing belt replaced.
4. Engine running poorly.
The CT dealership confirmed my suspicion that the leaking filter gasket caused the belt to shred and fail. They went on to say that serpentine belt shreds and diesel penetrated an inspection hole and ilkely caused the timing belt to skip teeth, causing further damages. However, a borescope inspection of the valves and head yielded no damages, so cause was not determined.
It was determined that the starter solenoid indeed failed, causing it to not withdraw fully. A new starter resolved that problem.
Based on costs to resolve the poor running engine, car was moved up to the warranting NH dealer for further work.
At the NH dealer, valve / head damages have been ruled out.
An overnight leakdown test results in a morning hard start.
And a specific gravity test concludes diesel fuel but 2 of 3 "sniffer" tests rendered "trace" amounts of gasoline.
This is where the reindeer games begin.
Because there's "trace" amounts of gasoline in the fuel, anything related to that fault are not covered under warranty. This would include much of the trouble so far - fuel filter gasket, leak, shredded belt, timing belt, and anything downstream resulting in the "poor running engine." I have records for every fillup virtually since I've owned the car. The last refill was conducted in NJ and I specifically reiterated to the attendant to fill it with diesel. That was some 160mi before the fuel filter failed.
I’m of the belief the blown filter gasket resulted in fuel starvation to the injectors, causing the injectors to batter themselves to a point where they’re damaged and injecting poorly, resulting in a “poor running engine.” This would also fit with the overnight leakdown results, right?
In all this, however, the shop has not said a thing about injectors as a potential cause for the poor running engine.
SO, I’m putting this out to the field here: knowing what’s presented here, what else could cause a "poor running engine" after the work performed?
I presume the dealership primed the fuel system properly after replacing the gasket, so I’m not considering that as any cause for trouble.
Thoughts, anyone?