300tdi fuel woes

Portugeezer · Sep 30, 2009

I have a 300tdi and recently the fuel was allowed to run low...resulted in poor/stuttery acceleration. Changed the filter and all was well again. Foolishly the fuel state was allowed to get low again (motorway petrol station run out!) and same result! I had no option but to press on until I could get home and change filter again. a strange screech developed that was identical to a slipping belt. Changed the filter once again and normal running restored but screeaching remains. Disconnected both belts and screeching still there, starting to suspect injector pump.
Screech not present in neutral at any rpm, only when in gear and under load, bizzarely though not in reverse!!
Any ideas guys?

P.S have read service manual and it says injector pump replacement requires special tools to hold flywheel and pump...can it be done without?

Richard Martin · Sep 30, 2009

Portugeezer said:
Any ideas guys?

P.S have read service manual and it says injector pump replacement requires special tools to hold flywheel and pump...can it be done without?

no ideas about the cause of your screech...but, yes the fip can be changed without special tools...do a search for changing the timing belt

thebiglad · Sep 30, 2009

I don't believe that the screech has anything to do with the injection pump and low fuel.

Do a series of experiments to identify whether the noise is engine related, (doubtful as it doesn't occur in neutral) transmission related, or cat-in-engine bay related.

Did you clean out the fuel sedimenter after changing the fuel filter?

Portugeezer · Sep 30, 2009

Thanks guys,
after some more investigation today I too am convinced now its not fuel related as its running great apart from the screech!
Latest clues!
Not present in Neutral under any rpm, wether coasting or static.
Present in all 5 forward gears worse at lower rpm, dissapears by 60mph.
Not present in reverse - bizzarre!
If I accelerate very very gently can avoid screeching.

In summary only seems to be present when under any load. driving me mad mad mad!

fanatic · Sep 30, 2009

thrust release bearing/ picked up spigot shaft bearing or gearbox lay shaft /transfer box- unfortunately being unable to see it does not help.
is it quieter in fourth otherwise it's pointing to main or output shaft bearings

discomania · Oct 1, 2009

What this does tell you is your tank if FULL of rubbish.

thebiglad · Oct 1, 2009

Portugeezer said:
Thanks guys,
after some more investigation today I too am convinced now its not fuel related as its running great apart from the screech!
Latest clues!
Not present in Neutral under any rpm, wether coasting or static.
Present in all 5 forward gears worse at lower rpm, dissapears by 60mph.
Not present in reverse - bizzarre!
If I accelerate very very gently can avoid screeching.

In summary only seems to be present when under any load. driving me mad mad mad!

I have a TDi 300 and when I bought it, it had a screech similar to your description and I found when I got it home that it had NO oil in the transfer box. Don't know how long it had been like that but as soon as it was refilled all was quiet again.

My advice would be to check all oil levels ie main gearbox, trans box and both axles. If you do this you can at least eliminate oil levels from the problem search.

Portugeezer · Oct 1, 2009

Thanks for your thoughts guys,
Travelling now for 6 days but checking oils etc was exactly what I planned to do when I get back. Also have access to rolling road for diagnosis.
Gut feeling has shifted toward a release bearing, will report back the eventual solution for others benefit.
Safe driving all!
P.S any other ideas meanwhile welcome.

Portugeezer · Oct 9, 2009

Pleased to say that the source was eventually identified.
It transpires the screech and fuel problems were just coincidental and not related at all.
Fuel probs solved by filter change!
While investigating screech I discovered both diffs dry and both swivel pin housings. As i resigned myself to pulling the engine to investigate a suspect release bearing i hauled myself from under the car and grabbed the front propshaft which gave a huge clunk!
u/j had broken up and was about to disintegrate. u/j changed and problems solved - phew.
Thanks to all that contributed their thoughts and experience.

300tdi fuel woes

Portugeezer

Member

Richard Martin

Well-Known Member

thebiglad

Well-Known Member

Portugeezer

Member

fanatic

RESPECT IS EARNED, BEATINGS ARE FREE ;-)

discomania

Well-Known Member

thebiglad

Well-Known Member

Portugeezer

Member

Portugeezer

Member

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