My apologies. It's been years since I've posted in forums like these. Just tried something different. Not sure what is harder. Relearning how to use these forums or troubleshooting my new ride. Reading up on timing belt stuff tonight. Mileage is saying I don't have to change it but I'm understanding that if it's more then 5 years old it should be changed regardless of miles.
5 yrs. or 60k miles for the B4/A3 platform(1z/AHU motor).Get some fresh diesel in the tank.Change fuel filter and do an oil change-Rotella T-6 5w-40(blue jug).Mobil 1 TDT 5w-40,and I think Delo has a full syn available now-these 3 are the most easily accessible,Wal Mart usually cheapest.Order parts from trusted vendors listed on here,avoid ANY cheap parts from a character named prothe,Rothenbacher Engineering,Hans,and some other names he goes buy-just type any of those names into search and you'll see the horror stories. I personally have dealt w/ Bora parts(now Cascade German Parts),Dieselgeek,IDParts,Metalman-I highly recommend them all. Make sure you have a good battery-the clusters in the 96 Passats do not like low voltage-it fries them. Congrats on your find and welcome to the Club! I wish I could've found a nice wagon like that
....Thanks tdidieselbobny. Even seen some of your posts in my browsing. I did an oil change today. Used Rotella T-6. I'm not sure if the gauge is shot or if it's actually been sitting with a full tank of fuel(may be good or bad). Pondering this whole timing belt task and whether to take it on myself or explore having someone else do it. Buying the tools for a job I'm only figuring on doing once is turning me off. I'm trying to find a positive battery terminal. I'm pretty certain I can rig up a replacement but a stock one would be nice. Brand new ones are up around $100 bucks at cost from my local auto parts. So I will definitely check out the places you mentioned.5 yrs. or 60k miles for the B4/A3 platform(1z/AHU motor).Get some fresh diesel in the tank.Change fuel filter and do an oil change-Rotella T-6 5w-40(blue jug).Mobil 1 TDT 5w-40,and I think Delo has a full syn available now-these 3 are the most easily accessible,Wal Mart usually cheapest.Order parts from trusted vendors listed on here,avoid ANY cheap parts from a character named prothe,Rothenbacher Engineering,Hans,and some other names he goes buy-just type any of those names into search and you'll see the horror stories. I personally have dealt w/ Bora parts(now Cascade German Parts),Dieselgeek,IDParts,Metalman-I highly recommend them all. Make sure you have a good battery-the clusters in the 96 Passats do not like low voltage-it fries them. Congrats on your find and welcome to the Club! I wish I could've found a nice wagon like that
If it's been sitting any length of time it is bad, bad, bad. Sure, it'll probably run but heaven knows what's growing in it. My advice is 'dump it and start fresh'.
It is a somewhat 'fiddly' job. You must be careful and a little precise to get a proper result. Only you know your own comfort level but don't forget, whoever does the job must have those skills and be familiar with the procedure. Any old gas station just won't do!
Why would you figure on only doing this job only once? These cars last and last and last. Mine's coming up on 300,000 miles and the oil consumption is going down! It has averaged 48 mpg in everyday driving for the 200,000 miles I've driven it. If you're not going to keep this car just SELL IT TO ME now !!!
Nope, it's just where it belongs. There is a wealth of knowledge, experience and encouragement here. Post away!
