Life with TDI swap # 1 (Page 5/11)
CoolBlue87GT DEC 25, 08:33 AM
I found out yesterday, the TDI Fiero has a sense of humor, was driving over a bridge with a slight incline, cruise control on, a Toyota Prius was following way to close, the TDI downshifted automatically & the Prius got a nice puff of diesel. He backed off for the rest of the drive.

I had to laugh.

[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 12-25-2013).]

BrittB DEC 25, 08:20 PM
I really like the idea of the Jetta TDI engine in the Fiero, that mpg number is outstanding too!
CoolBlue87GT JAN 04, 08:23 AM
I parked the car the other day, was about to get out, when I got a text on my phone, I read it & sent a quick reply, then got out of the car, shut the door, as soon as it shut, I knew I'd I'd just locked the keys inside. OH $&@#. I was so mad. I was 50 miles away from the other set of keys.

My other formula has regular wind up windows, I'm used to breaking into it. The TDI Fiero has power windows, so I had to find another way in. Without going into big detail, I used the "sunroof trick" to gain access to the car, and was able to get the keys out.

Note to self: Get another set of keys made, carry in wallet.
sniper69 JAN 05, 08:44 AM
That is some impressive mileage. Makes me want to consder a TDI swap.
CoolBlue87GT JAN 05, 10:15 AM

quote
Originally posted by BrittB:

I really like the idea of the Jetta TDI engine in the Fiero, that mpg number is outstanding too!




quote
Originally posted by sniper69:

That is some impressive mileage. Makes me want to consder a TDI swap.



The last highway run I made, 300+ miles, still had more than 1/4 tank left when I filled it. Achived 57.3 MPG.

That's 70 - 75 mph w/ cruise & a/c running. I will try a trip w/o a/c on when we get one of these rare cool florida days to see if more is possible.

[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 01-07-2014).]

solotwo JAN 05, 08:47 PM

quote
Originally posted by CoolBlue87GT:

I parked the car the other day, was about to get out, when I got a text on my phone, I read it & sent a quick reply, then got out of the car, shut the door, as soon as it shut, I knew I'd I'd just locked the keys inside. OH $&@#. I was so mad. I was 50 miles away from the other set of keys.

My other formula has regular wind up windows, I'm used to breaking into it. The TDI Fiero has power windows, so I had to find another way in. Without going into big detail, I used the "sunroof trick" to gain access to the car, and was able to get the keys out.

Note to self: Get another set of keys made, carry in wallet.



LOL boy do I understand that! I always have a door key in my wallet, because at my age I am doing dumb stuff like that.
CoolBlue87GT MAR 29, 07:16 AM
Have been driving the TDI as a daily driver, enjoying it. Had a few small normal repairs , a small water leak that was fixed by replacing a hose. Running great now.

I purchaced an "Utlra gauge" and pluged into the diagnostic port, I'm in the process of calibrating it to record the MPG, currently it's reading to low. At the next fill up, I'll enter the gallons used, and it will start recording the actual mpg.

The gauge is pretty neat, it had 47 differant items for the TDI that I could monitor, there are 7 different screens that you can select. The cost was cheap, 55 dollars. A short video follows.

[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 03-05-2015).]

CoolBlue87GT MAY 03, 09:08 AM
I added a coolant recovery bottle tank and replaced the 30 lb Radiator cap for a 16 lb cap. This took care of "burbing" the cooling system.



When I first hooked it up and had it running, I could see the clear hose pushing out the air trapped in the system into the bottom of the tank. The cap is not vented. Under pressure, when up to temp, the system is sealed.
bmwguru MAY 04, 04:56 AM
The front cap is supposed to seal off that radiator. The rear expansion tank has a constant bleed off to always bleed off any air. The only way you'll get air is to not properly fill the cooling system when drained. To properly fill the system, take off the front cap and fill from the rear until it flows out the front radiator. While it is overflowing, cap it off and finish filling at the rear.
Also, make sure you use the G-12 VW coolant which is pink and should not be confused with Dexcool. Anything else will not mix with the G-12 and sludge up the system or cause the temp sensor to not read properly.

Dave

[This message has been edited by bmwguru (edited 05-04-2014).]

CoolBlue87GT MAY 21, 10:25 AM
Been driving & enjoying the TDI daily. Making little changes here & there.

Decided to remove the leather seats from my Formula and install them into the TDI. They are still in great shape, I think I installed them in 2007. They feel oh so good !

I have an order in to MrMike's for another set of leather seats to reinstall into the Formula. Figure if I ever sell the Formula, having the newer seats in it will be a treat to the new owner.




I found a small / slight crack in the expansion tank, it was allowing a very - very small amount of pressure to leak, wasn't causing a problem yet. I noticed a small drip forming above the liquid level. I circled in red the area of the slight crack.



I bought a new replacement tank, was only $13.95 - shipped ! It is the exact same tank. Saw them on line as much as $90. What a deal !. Received it within 2 days. I installed it last night when I got home from work. Was so excided , couldn't wait to install it, the coolant was still fairly warm, It works great. The new tank installed below.

[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 05-21-2014).]