About Tony Edwards Expertise Can answer questions on british and european diesel injection systems , Limited on the latest electronic and common rail systems but have accsess to technical backup .
Experience I have 27 yrs in the diesel injection repair business. Currently Service Manager at Toyota dealership, but more than happy to answer your diesel related questions.
Expert: Tony Edwards Date: 6/25/2003 Subject: VW Polo 1.9 CL
Question My father is considering buying a '96 - '97 diesel Polo. There is 44k on the clock. Are there any specific pointers to look out for as far as this engine is concerned. We normally do all our own routine servicing but I see the cam belt could be a bit awkward to get at. At a quick glance it looks like engine mount off and squeeze underneath the f.o/s wheel arch. One last point; the fuel filter is up on the left above the inner guard (as one looks in) and one of the fuel pipes has a bleed nipple down near an injector. Is this the drain point for routine inspection or is it used to de-pressurise the fuel system. Sorry for the non technical terms - this is all prior to purchase of a Haynes Manual if he goes ahead with the deal.
Answer Alright there Ken.
VW's will always be about the best diesel you could get in my books. You are right in saying that the belt can be a little awkward , but then car engine designers do not consider the poor people that have to maintain them unfortunately.The fuel sytem on these is usually bosch , if this is the TDI engine then the fuel system will have electronic governed fuel injection pump based on the original "VE" pump . If it is pre TDI then the system will all be mechanicaly governed . The latter being the cheaper to repair. I am unsure what you mean about the bleed nipple on the fuel pipe , all i can say is that the fuel system is self venting and operates on suction feed. So there is no need for bleed nipples . The fuel return from the injector pump can join the return on the filter on some of the vehicles. No nipples or joints are there to de-pressurise the system , this is not a neccessity. Overall a good vehicle , low mileage is good , hopefully a good service history. good luck.
