Mk III TDI

[yowie]

actiually the John West Filter is The Stock Filter. It is a complete Unhook hoses and replace job. Kinda nice since less diesel is spilt and you have less chance of contaminating the fuel. It also has a built in water tap at the bottom (Which you should open up and let a bit out every oil change) The Mk5 has a drop in filter element with no water trap!... I can't wait till I have to replace that and get my hands all dirty - And it costs the same about $65.00.

The 2nd fuel filter is a spin on cartrige filter. Basic spin on filter type maybe Ryco or eiven a Toyota or Nissan job alot of 4x4 put them on if they dont already have one as they use them as cheaper pre filters. You can get differnet filter cartriges maybe they make one down to 2 micron. IF you have a 30 micron on then it is not realy doing anything but catching sand! you want about 10 micron filtration.

Thanks for explaining that Gigitt.
I guess how it got two filters in the first place is academic.

It had a $1,200 fuel pump rebuild last year, but there is no paper work for the pre-filter.
Thanks for the water tap and micron tip.
I got plenty to learn including now changing filters without getting a wrong filter or introducing air into the system.

Your advice raises the question of what to do with MkV and water in fuel, if anything.
Cheers.

[yowie]

Soo, I have to report some amazing if not outrageous TDI-good luck.

The auto has been pretty ordinary, especially when cold.
Today I took it to our local auto transmission service guy, expecting the worse.

He said its just that the gearbox oil was down a litre. Topped it up and ran fine.
No external leaks, no gearbox oil in the diff, so possibly at its last service in January this year for which I have the receipt, it was left low and not topped up.

Anyway its running fine. Even better, the guy said that he knew the car.
I saw two other VW's there, and assumed he meant VWs generally.
But no, he is familiar with this specific car and its former owner as serviced it regularly for years.
And did a full rebuild on the auto in 2007 of $3500-odd at 150,000 kays.
And has now transferred that record across to me.
I am gobsmacked, that's 100 kays from where I bought the car, but within five minutes of where I live.

[Garbon]

These are great cars!

Where was the fuel pump rebuilt last year? I may need mine done soon as it leaks from time to time.

[yowie]

These are great cars!

Where was the fuel pump rebuilt last year? I may need mine done soon as it leaks from time to time.

Agreed, great cars. Mine feels like a little tank.
According to the records, the fuel pump went to Highway Diesel Service at Rocklea in 2010, at a cost of $1296.'
The gearbox was serviced in January by WV and Volvo Centre, also Rocklea, which reported up a scan saying boost pressure controller' fault, which I haven't got to.
There is no follow'-up paperwork, so it probably still needs attention.

[yowie]

Ahh, a "new", second-hand car. Its the gift that keeps on giving.
We now have a speeding fine to add to the collection.
Seems it dates from a few days prior to purchase.
Always a good idea to keep a copy of your dated transfer documents handy for such eventualities arriving in the mail.
As I have not, perhaps sadly, had a speeding fine for several decades, it should go away all by itself.

Meanwhile back at the the ranch, I've had the car for a month almost, driven everywhere and still got most of the second tank of fuel.
I was so excited about showing someone the recently-located the trip meter, I didn't realize I was also zeroing it, so no k/100L numbers to share yet.
Still not in love with the auto tranny, but it is working to an acceptable standard now.

[gldgti]

I got plenty to learn including now changing filters without getting a wrong filter or introducing air into the system.
.

Don't worry about air in the system. If the pump is in good health (and it should be) then it will self prime with cranking. Its also possible (And effective) to blow down the return line and slightly pressurise the tank, and just wait until fuel dribbles out of the return fitting on the injector pump... I usually do it this way, as it saves a bit of cranking and always works well - just remember to vent the fuel tank (i.e. remove and replace the fuel cap) after you have finished.

[yowie]

Thanskk gldgti, great advice.
I will have to be brave and have a go
Probably time to look for a manual

[yowie]

Ahh, a "new", second-hand car. Its the gift that keeps on giving.
We now have a speeding fine to add to the collection.
Seems it dates from a few days prior to purchase.
Always a good idea to keep a copy of your dated transfer documents handy for such eventualities arriving in the mail.
As I have not, perhaps sadly, had a speeding fine for several decades, it should go away all by itself.

So, I got a letter from the constabulary saying that while they reserve the right to prosecute, they are withdrawing the allegation and fine. Yay, just got me $200 back.

[Garbon]

Thanks for the info on the pump rebuild incase I need it in future. Sounds like you are enjoying the car heaps!

[yowie]

Thanks for the info on the pump rebuild incase I need it in future. Sounds like you are enjoying the car heaps!

No worries and absolutely loving it, Garbon. These things are the schnizz. And I remain in awe at the new price.
I have even found the micro-switch in the door and am no longer wringing its neck every time I lock the door- which is what I suspect happened to the passenger door lock.
Still on its second tank of fuel and my daily driver including a trip to the coast and the other half borrowing it.
If this keeps up, the tank will need changing at the next service.
Only real complaint is the lack of a glove-box.
What do people do? ideas welcome, or should I keep looking til I find it?
Y

[yowie]

Today I discovered the driver's seat is height adjustable.
Maybe I should get a manual...

[gldgti]

You can replace the shelf with a glove box, but you'll have to find one...... I bought one when I had my mk3 but it cost me about $70 IIRC.

Worth it though

Also - you might have vr6, or 'sports' seats.... the standard seats arent usually height adjustable.

[Gigitt]

The drivers seat in my 1996 GL TDI are height adjustable.
I also have the glove box under the passenger airbag.

[yowie]

Thanks for that info guys.
I think the seats are not sports but as Gigitt says TDI seats, there is no pronounced side bolster.

I didn't know a glove-box was an option.
However, having already misplaced my toll-pass because I had no-where to put it, and had things sliding off the shelf in corners, I am looking.
Will one out of any Mk3 will fit?

[Gigitt]

Why don't just put the toll pass into the door pocket?
Plenty big - just not for drink can if you have manual windows like me!

Dont think Glove box was an option!
I have seen diffenent MK3 TDI fit outs all Badged GL TDI... some have maual old skool metal Whip antenna in the front fender/ lower windscreen join (like the MK3 Pertol CL model).
Mine has the Bee Stind roof mounted one.
Some others don't have the colour coded bumpers (mine does )but textured black top...

Basically the MK3 TDI came out with CL fitting and GL Badge!! :screwy:

Yes Mk3 Glovebox will fit... just get the right colour.

The only issure youll have is the lock might not work with your key.

The Glovebox should open slightly (2cm gap) then stops - like for dropping in small items like GPS... you then have to pull it down for full access.
Keep an eye out on the side locking pins and holes when you buy - they can be worn.

Very easy to fit... just keep an eye out for the sliding lock tab on the lower right corner (connects center console behind gear selector)
Fit the glove box then kind of pull the lower right corner up and into the slot to fit. Taking off is a lot easier.