VW/Audi Wrenching Attempts

[joyRidaz]

Took a few weeks off to let my frustration settle while I focused on the family, work, enjoying the 40/60, and mentally recharging.

Back at it... Built a "boost leak tester" this AM, hopefully this will help me rule out or identify and air leaks....

I'll post up my findings once I can procure an air compressor from a buddy for the afternoon....

In theory, I'll pressurize the compressor with air closed off, with car off ill let about 15-20 psi into system with car off... At that point I should be able to hear any air leaks... Leveraging a listening tube if needed

Here's the final product installed to the system... Disconnecting the tube from MAF...

Here's the tools/parts used: some pcv bits, a tire valve stem, some epoxy glue from HF, and some other tools

Assembled:

 

[joyRidaz]

@GLTHFJ60 - Johnny can we somehow rename this thread to "VW/Audi Wrenching Attempts" . I like @Izzyandsue 's suggestion but I don't have permissions to change the title.

Only if you're in agreement, not sure if that's bending the landcruiser forum rules too far... You're the boss.

Cheers

 

[joyRidaz]

So after trying out my diy boost leak tester, along with a listening tube, and some soapy water... I'm happy and sad to report I did not find any air leaks.

This leads me to one of my final theories that I was trying hard to avoid, replacing the fuel pump. Kinda pricey and a PITA, especially since my tank is almost full and the pump is in the tank, and the tank is under the back seat. On top of that some specialized tools are likely needed.

It is highly likely that there will be a strong odor of gas in my car after I attempt this.

Keep ya posted. I gotta get this paperweight back on the road.

 

[JohnVee]

I thought I had heard that your Audi was stolen out on Wilkinson Blvd? That'll teach you to leave the key in it.

 

[lt1fire]

if its like the VWs then the fuel pump replacement really isn't that bad.

perfect time to invest in 2 or 3 scepter fuel cans (depending on gas tank size) , siphon out gas. Pull out rear set... Open all door of car, open gas tank and replace pump. Keep car vented for a whole after. Small fan would help, and you now have fixed Audi and new scepter fuel cans with gas in it for cruiser.

win win

 

[joyRidaz]

Good advice guys, thanks. I'll try the diy route.... I really like his car and would like to keep it for a while longer. I do like the creative thinking though!

 

[GLTHFJ60]

@GLTHFJ60 - Johnny can we somehow rename this thread to "VW/Audi Wrenching Attempts" . I like @Izzyandsue 's suggestion but I don't have permissions to change the title.

Only if you're in agreement, not sure if that's bending the landcruiser forum rules too far... You're the boss.

Cheers

Done!

 

[joyRidaz]

Thanks @GLTHFJ60 ! Now the title matches the content a bit. Cheers

 

[GLTHFJ60]

In the spirit of this thread, we've done some work on our 1.8t MKIV Jetta over the past 35k miles. Some were PO neglects, some were new problems.

Not pictured:
- PCV system replaced
- Alternator
- windshield washer pump

Wheel bearings:

Valve cover gasket and spark plugs:

 

[joyRidaz]

Well I have accepted my fate, and have ordered the following from ECD Tuning.

- fuel pump
- fuel pump relay
- gasket

With a little luck from the shipping Gods, I'll be getting stinky with gas this weekend... And hopefully will finally get this paperweight back on the road.

I'll try the relay first then progress to the swapping the pump/gasket if I have to.

They recommend doing this with 1/4 tank or less... I'm hover just above 3/4s so might need to heed the advice from @lt1fire

Once done I can finally focus my efforts back on landcruisers again

 

[JohnVee]

George - go buy one of those $10 siphon hoses at HF or NT that you shake to start the flow, then report back on the results. I'm sure some of us would like to know if they work.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[Roxx]

George - go buy one of those $10 siphon hoses at HF or NT that you shake to start the flow, then report back on the results. I'm sure some of us would like to know if they work.


...via IH8MUD app

They work on old cars. They dont work on the new cars that i have tried

 

[lt1fire]

a $5-10 bulb pump from auto zone will work fine

 

[roadstr6]

I bought one of those jiggle pumps from HF. It works great filling your tank from a jerry can. I have just enough hose that I can fill my tank without removing the jerry can from my spare tire rack. It pumps a lot faster than I would have imagined. The problem with using it on newer cars is that the little spring loaded flapper on the fill port won't allow you to "get jiggy with it" if you are trying to siphon from the filler. On the V-dub if you are going to pull the fuel pump plate off the top you could easily jiggle siphon it from there into gas cans...just not from the fill port.

 

[joyRidaz]

Well I don't want to jinx it, but I think I fixed this puppy.

My oem fuel pump($200ish), fuel pump gasket($10), and non-oem fuel pump relay($5) arrived thurs or Friday.

Today I tried to burn off lots of fuel to get it below 1/2 tank,

It was a fun drive, because I was going for fuel inefficiency! So I drove like a 16yr old driving a stick for the first time... Very "Spirited" driving as they say...

During that drive, it stalled when idling, and was tough to get running.... But for the most parts it was decent.

Before attempting the fuel pump swap, I decided to try to replace the relay first.... Bingo!

We'll see if it starts tomorrow, if so I'll be psyched since its been running and starting all day since putting in the cheapy cheap knock off relay!

Here's the culprit, and the "mean machine"

For any modders, here's the mods/specs... most done by previous owner, a buddy of mine:

QMS (Quattro manual sport)
1.8 litre turbo
GIAC Stage 1+ chip
2.5 inch apr stealth cat-back exhaust
Lowered sport suspension
Short shifter
De-badged
Clear corners
Stealth bulbs
Tint

It'll be nice to have my daily driver drivable again for a mere $5. Crossing fingers.

 

[joyRidaz]

Dang, I jinxed myself, all afternoon it ran fine. Then tonight it cut out 4 or 5 times while I was driving to pick up dinner. I guess I'll need to swap the pump after all.

 

[JohnVee]

Or make dinner at home from now on.


...via IH8MUD app

 

[joyRidaz]

Ok, so as not to jinx myself, I am not declaring victory yet. Cross my fingers

But I did swap out the fuel pump, and I have successfully driven the car for apx ten miles so far and she's running strong.

I will reserve judgement until it bakes in the sun all day and then gets driven hard because that seems to be when it likes to cut out... Like yesterday...

I learned the following:
- when working outside, don't roll down all the windows and disconnect battery and start project fifteen minutes before a rainstorm
- do wear heavy dusty latex gloves when submerging your hand in gas for a period of time
- don't wear cheap @ss harbor freight ones that melt and then burn up your skin and fingernails
- when the Germans put a warning/suggestion to half the tank less than 1/2 full, assume they mean 1/4... I had my hands submerged in gas for quite a while and I was about 7/16th full.

All in all an easy project

Old one installed under back seat... Installed around 2006 due to a recall

New parts, tools, safety precaution, and old part out of vehicle

Inside tank, surprising clean... Some bits in there probably from the old clogged fuel filter but nothing I could try to remove

New one installed, and my crispy thumbnail and skin

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I love how you don't have to drop the tank to change a fuel pump on these cars.

Your Audi has the same motor as my MKIV!

 

[S.CarolinaFZJ80]

Nice work!