Herm TDI
Vendor
- Joined
- Nov 21, 2001
- TDI
- 2002 Golf GLS Malone Stage 3, P+520 nozzles, 11MM Inj pump, Sachs VR6 clutch, Stelth Race Pipe, Immo Deleat, EGR Deleat
One of the best things you can do for your TDI is to wash the engine and engine compartment. I mention this for the simple fact that it (eng. washing) should become part of regular general maintenace.
Of all the TDI's that I've seen, one of the primary causes of component failure is galvanic corrosion. Issues of poor electrical grounds, faulty sensors, badly corroded fuel lines, the list is broad in scope and most of these problems could have been easily prevented.
I recommend your local car wash facility because they have a grease trap and this keeps automotive contaminates contained.
Use only the regular "SOAP" setting. I don't recommend using any engine cleaner since the type and content of the solvent is unknown and may have a negative reaction to the alloyes used in the engine /tranny.
Also equally important use only one (1) wash cycle or four (4) minutes. Using the wash for a longer period and you risk getting water where you shouldn't. So please.....use only the minimum wash time.
Having said that here is a few pointers on the "How To":
1. The engine is turned off
2. The ignition key removed
3. Engine cover removed
4. Keep the tip of the wash wand about 12" from any surface. Any further away and the only thing you'll do is to get things wet and not very clean.
Don't get the tip of the want much closer than 12" either...or you risk forcing water where you shouldn't.
There is no need to cover the alternator. A simple wash will not harm anything in the engine compartment.
The reasons for washing your engine is more than "looks good".
Never open your engine with a dirty engine compartment. You've invested a lot of $$ on high quality oil & filters.
Working on a dirty engine makes things more difficault
Diagnosing malfunctions on a dirty engine is more time comsuming
Tracing fluid leaks on a dirty engine is nearly pointless
But the primary reason (for washing your engine) is corrosion prevention. I would recommend washing your engine twice a year. Once in early spring after the "salt" season and again in late summer or early autumn.
Of all the TDI's that I've seen, one of the primary causes of component failure is galvanic corrosion. Issues of poor electrical grounds, faulty sensors, badly corroded fuel lines, the list is broad in scope and most of these problems could have been easily prevented.
I recommend your local car wash facility because they have a grease trap and this keeps automotive contaminates contained.
Use only the regular "SOAP" setting. I don't recommend using any engine cleaner since the type and content of the solvent is unknown and may have a negative reaction to the alloyes used in the engine /tranny.
Also equally important use only one (1) wash cycle or four (4) minutes. Using the wash for a longer period and you risk getting water where you shouldn't. So please.....use only the minimum wash time.
Having said that here is a few pointers on the "How To":
1. The engine is turned off
2. The ignition key removed
3. Engine cover removed
4. Keep the tip of the wash wand about 12" from any surface. Any further away and the only thing you'll do is to get things wet and not very clean.
Don't get the tip of the want much closer than 12" either...or you risk forcing water where you shouldn't.
There is no need to cover the alternator. A simple wash will not harm anything in the engine compartment.
The reasons for washing your engine is more than "looks good".
Never open your engine with a dirty engine compartment. You've invested a lot of $$ on high quality oil & filters.
Working on a dirty engine makes things more difficault
Diagnosing malfunctions on a dirty engine is more time comsuming
Tracing fluid leaks on a dirty engine is nearly pointless
But the primary reason (for washing your engine) is corrosion prevention. I would recommend washing your engine twice a year. Once in early spring after the "salt" season and again in late summer or early autumn.
