TDI Engine Experience

[TX82FIAT]

Folks, looking for some people that have a general or better understanding of the TDI motors. Recently picked up a 2010 Audi TDI at a very low price. the EGR light was on but I did not worry about that since this is a common issue with these cars. EGR valve is Exhaust Gas Recirculation into the intake in order to lower combustion temp and significantly reduce emissions. Many people bypass or shut off the EGR valve with a plate in order to have the engine take in more air and avoid the carbon build up.

I cleaned the intake, cleaned the EGR Valve and EGR tube. Tested EGR valve open and shut within proper RPM range and it seems to be spot on. The dummy light on the dash went out for a week and then came back on. Shut code off with my OBDII and it comes back on within 50 miles. Code is P0401 low flow EGR.

Considerations:

1. Bypass the darn EGR and breath clean air into the intake with a few more HP to boot. No emissions test where I live.

2. Drive around with the dummy light on.

3. Take to a VW/Audi dealer and have them replace a bunch of parts costing me a ton of money.

Thoughts from those that know about TDI motors. Ray

[baltobernie]

My mechanic buddy says it may be a faulty inlet manifold flap (aka "anti-shudder valve") downstream of the EGR valve. Any fuses blown?

[124JOE]

I don't know anything about them
but try recleaning the valve and tube over and over
and is it posiable to clean deep inside where the cabon comes from?

[lanciahf]

"2010 Audi TDI at a very low price" There is a reason for that, Get rid of it!

"a recovering German car owner."

[vandor]

> Bypass the darn EGR and breath clean air into the intake with a few more HP to boot.

Most EGR systems I've seen shut off a higher throttle openings, so likely it does not rob any power.

Sorry, don't know much about TDI, but from what I heard they cost $$ to maintain. The turbos like to disintegrate on engines with over 200k miles, so that's an expensive maintenance item. Supposedly parts for a timing belt change cost $5-600.

[TX82FIAT]

Folks, Thanks for the responses. I'll check the anti shudder valve and the fuses. I'll give it another cleaning in the next couple weeks. The light actually just went out again. Car running fine. Actually has 111K on odometer and it feels like a car with 30K on it. It really drives well.

[courtenay]

I say go with the EGR delete if you don't have to worry about emissions test I know this is a long way from an Audi, but I just had an EGR delete and a tune done on my '06 GMC Duramax. This was in lieu of a $600 replacement of the EGR (check engine light on). The tune gave me another 60 hp and a turbo brake. The performance enhancement is noticeable - and I haven't even hooked up my 31' 5th Wheel trailer yet.

[RRoller123]

This hits close to home for me, as I am currently looking for a diesel truck to pull a 5th wheel. Can someone explain in simple terms this EGR problem that seems so prevalent? Does it occur after a predictable amount of miles? What does it cost to repair? Thanks. (sorry if this is sort of a hijack)

[courtenay]

It's like most things mechanical, Pete. EGR's tend to carbon up over time because of where they are and what they do. Probably more so on diesels than gas engines because diesel is a "dirtier" fuel. Newer diesels are better than older ones as they have figured out ways to burn the carbon off more effectively. Mine was on an '06 GMC LLZ engine and the cost to replace was about $700 CDN.

[RRoller123]

I can handle the 700 if it is after 70K miles or so..... My son's GTI just had a big carbon problem, they had to remove the intake and head to clean everything out, said it was normal after his mileage. Needless to say it was expensive and he was pissed.

[TX82FIAT]

Clogged EGR

[baltobernie]

I can handle the $700 if it is after 70K miles or so..... My son's GTI just had a big carbon problem, they had to remove the intake and head to clean everything out, said it was normal after his mileage. Needless to say it was expensive and he was pissed.

I just don't understand the allure of diesel passenger cars (or hybrids, either ... but that's a different rant). The Jetta TDI, for example, will burn about 900 gallons less fuel over 100,000 miles than the gasoline version. Considering the car costs more, the fuel costs more, the maintenance costs more ...

If fuel returns (near-term) to $4-5/gal., then the break-even cost of ownership is sooner, but at three bucks a gallon

Yeah, some tout spectacular MPG numbers, but if you soft-pedal the same gasoline car, impressive results can occur, too. On top of all this, diesel owners get to wait for the one dispenser to become available, while the landscaper or trucker is filling all his tanks. Then you get diesel fuel all over the soles of your shoes and your hands. No thanks.

[RRoller123]

I agree for passenger cars, but for me the need is to pull a 5th wheel. The Chevy 6.0 Vortec gas produces 360HP @ 5400rpm, 380ft-lbs @ 4200, but the 6.6 Turbo diesel produces 397 hp @3000 rpms, (not so much more) BUT 765 ft-lbs of torque at 1600 rpms. Yeah baby.

[courtenay]

I agree for passenger cars, but for me the need is to pull a 5th wheel. The Chevy 6.0 Vortec gas produces 360HP @ 5400rpm, 380ft-lbs @ 4200, but the 6.6 Turbo diesel produces 397 hp @3000 rpms, (not so much more) BUT 765 ft-lbs of torque at 1600 rpms. Yeah baby.

You'll love it, Pete. I pull a 12000 lb 31' fifth wheel with my Duramax and haven't found a hill yet that slows me down!

[RRoller123]

Thanks, that is encouraging! 765 @ 1600, no wonder it goes up hills no problem, holy moly.