02' Octavia Tdi

[Elvis]

Just got myself an Ambiante (sp?) with 109K on the clock to replace my old P reg 1.9D Golf with 170K on the clock and I've got a couple of questions:

1. I'm considering using bio-diesel in it and so would be interested to know if it has a heated fuel filter or not.
2. Accelerating through the gears you can hear the "thump" of the pistons firing more than my old 1.9D golf, is this just me being paranoid?
3. It seems a lot more prone to power off oversteer than my old golf is this to be expected?

Cheers

Stephen

[cheezemonkhai]

1) I don't think so, I certainly saw nothing to show this and there isn't a fuel pre-heater that pulls the fuel past the back of the engine either.
I would be careful about going straight to biofuels too, as somebody here stripped all the crud from their fuel tank in one go causing a complete blockage of multiple fuel filters.

2) What engine is in the Abiente, a 1.9 TDI 90 or the SE version? Since the golf would have been a MK III, I would be surprised that it would have better soundproofing, but then the engine will probably be at higher injection pressures. Was the Golf an indirect injection derv? If so these are quieter as the fuel is fired into a pre chamber rather than direct into the cylinder.

3) The MK III was pretty bad in terms of handling, and the MK IV on which the octy was based wasn't massively better either IMHO. They are both very soft cars. that combined with the extra torque that is generated by the TDI might place some contribution towards it. If you think it is an issue, then I would get the front suspension and bushes checked out as 109k is a reasonable mileage and if the shocks etc haven't been changed already, they may be on their last legs.


I'm not a mechanic, I just used to do a lot of DIY on older dervs, however I hope that helps. I'm sure others will be along to help soon and welcome to briskoda.

[Elvis]

1. I've used bio-fuels in the past and fully expect to replace the fuel filter after a couple of tankfulls, but it's a pretty easy/quick job to do so (I'll have to check the service record but it might be about time to change it anyway, probably have a look at the air filter at the same time).
2.TDI 90 (bohhh, but for 3K can't complain) the old golf was indirect injection, I've been trying to work out what the frequency of the thumps would be if it where once or 1/2 a revolution (i.e. 1 cylinder or another rotary component and thus likely to be bad) or twice a revolution (i.e. each cylinder and likely not to be a problem) :-)
3. TBH it was a pleasant surprise over the old golf, it feels *more* like a focus with it's funny rear axle, it just passed it's MOT and when it was on the ramp I didn't see any probs with the bushes (gave the wheels a good tug, etc.) or shocks but that maybe an answer, from the look of the car most of the 109K was motorway miles but I'll try the bouncing on the wing thing tonight.