Engine won't turn over after TB change

hiltonTDI

New member
Joined
Jan 11, 2016
Location
Hilton New York
TDI
2010 Jetta TDI
I replaced the TB in my 2010 Jetta TDI. I purchased a kit from dieselgeek and tools to set the crank, cam, IP positions and followed the directions to the letter. Although I must have missed something because the engine doesn't run. After completing the install, turned the engine over, it started, ran fine for about 5 seconds (no knocking) and stalled. The engine would then not turn over with the starter. Lights would dim like the starter or crank was locked. Was able to turn the engine with a wrench which was no harder to do than when I set the TDC during the removal. I did this to double check timing positions, still everything looks correct. I am totally lost... I do not wish to just try to crank the engine over to see what happens next for fear of causing more potential damage.

I am new to the forum and look forward to some direction
 

BobnOH

not-a-mechanic
Joined
May 29, 2004
Location
central Ohio
TDI
New Beetle 2003 manual
The starter not turning over the engine is a separate/new issue. You've done the timing belt correctly, the motor turns over with a wrench, it's gotta be starter/batter/ignition issue.
Try a good overnight charge on the battery. If the starter won't engage, a hammer can sometimes bring it around.
 

DCELL

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Location
Sheridan, IN
TDI
'01 GOLF 2DR, ‘15 Passat SEL TDI
Did you turn the engine over with a wrench in FULL rotations? IF you are SURE there was no contact and the pins went back in when you checked, there should be no difference when spinning it over with the starter VS. a wrench. I agree with the above post. Charge the battery and crank away. Did you take your fuel lines apart at the filter when you did the TB service? it's possible you ended up with air in the fuel line causing it to stall after running. Banging the starter with a hammer might help if the starter is on it's way out, but that's a momentary fix if it works. I have my doubts it will. Good luck!
 
Last edited:

C3156

Veteran Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2013
Location
CONUS
TDI
All sold
After completing the install, turned the engine over, it started, ran fine for about 5 seconds (no knocking) and stalled.
This statement makes me think timing issue, running that short a period and then turning off. But then you say:

The engine would then not turn over with the starter. Lights would dim like the starter or crank was locked
Which points to either an electrical issue or something slipped in the TB assembly. And then:

Was able to turn the engine with a wrench which was no harder to do than when I set the TDC during the removal.
So the engine is not locked up, but does not mean damage may not have been done. Points more to possible electrical issue.

I would agree with above, and check your battery first. Could be going bad, trickle charge it all night and try to crank it over. Or you can take it to any auto parts store and have it tested. I had to replace mine because the battery developed a hole in the side and the acid started to leak out. Would not start without a jump.

If that looks good, I would disassemble down to the TB and check everything again. If the TB slipped, it will not run if the timing is off.
 

hiltonTDI

New member
Joined
Jan 11, 2016
Location
Hilton New York
TDI
2010 Jetta TDI
Great news I got it running last night. I cranked the engine over by hand, several revolutions again, checked the timing again, still looked okay. Trusted that I did every step correctly and hit the starter. Fired off and never stopped, has ran great all day today. I don't like mysteries when it comes to my car, this may have to be one of them.
I have one concern that I have not solved, that is my antifreeze was low and I thought I would find a leaking water pump which I did not. I will be keeping on eye to see if it goes down over the next few days/weeks.

I really appreciate all of the great suggestions offered and look forward to being able to offer my own when I have some helpful opinion.

Thank you all...
 

DCELL

Veteran Member
Joined
Apr 15, 2002
Location
Sheridan, IN
TDI
'01 GOLF 2DR, ‘15 Passat SEL TDI
How often have you had to add coolant? Sometimes the stains will be white or pinkish white, and flaky crusty. Hard to see them sometimes.
 

Ol'Rattler

Top Post Dawg
Joined
Jul 3, 2007
Location
PNA
TDI
2006 BRM Jetta
Remove the belly pan and from underneath and above look at the hoses on the back side of the engine. More likely an EGR cooler or heater core hose on the back side of the engine than the W/P.

Did you replace the W/P when you changed the T/B?
 
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