If the routine maintenance schedule is strictly adhered to from the date of purchase of the vehicle, frequent checks of fluid levels and the condition of wear components as suggested in this manual are carried out, the engine will remain in good working condition for a long time, and the need for any additional work will be reduced to a minimum.
More often, however, it happens that the engine runs inefficiently due to the neglect of regular maintenance. This happens even more often when buying a used car, the owners of which did not bother with frequent and regular checks and maintenance. In this case, in addition to performing normal routine maintenance procedures, it will be necessary to tune the engine.
The first step in any tuning or diagnostic procedure to improve engine performance is to check the compression ratio in the cylinders. Compression test (refer to subsection Checking compression in the engine cylinders) will help determine the condition of the engine's internal components and should serve as a guide when tuning and repairing. If, for example, checking the compression ratio indicates serious internal wear on the engine, a simple adjustment will not improve its performance and will be a waste of time and money. Since the procedure for checking the compression ratio is extremely important, it should be carried out by a specialist who owns equipment specially designed for this.
The following procedures are most often required to bring the engine into good operating condition.
Minimum Settings
Checking all fluids associated with engine operation (subsection Checking the condition of tires and their pressure)
Check of a condition of all hoses of an impellent compartment (subsection Checking the condition and replacing the engine compartment hoses, localizing leaks)
Checking and adjusting the tension of drive belts (subsection Checking the condition of drive ribbed belts)
Cleaning, Inspection and Battery Check (subsection Battery check, care and charging)
Replacing spark plugs or glow plugs (subsection Checking and replacing spark plugs)
Inspection of BB wires of candles, except for models with direct ignition
Checking the air filter (subsection Replacing the air filter element)
Checking the cooling system (subsection Checking the functioning of the cooling system)
General settings
All of the above minimum setup items, plus...
- Checking the ignition or preheat system
- Checking the charge system
- Fuel system check
- Replacing the HV wires of spark plugs, except for models with direct ignition
Monthly checks
Viscosity map of used motor oils
Gasoline engines
All-weather oils with enhanced anti-friction properties, specification VW 500 001)
All-weather oils, specification VW 501 011)
multigrade oils, specifications API–SF2) or SG2); ACEA – A2/A3 2)
1) This specification must be followed by a date no earlier than 10.91
2) These motor oils should only be used when other recommended motor oils are not available.
Turbo diesel engines
All-weather oils, specification VW 505 00
The oil filler cap is located in the cylinder head cover - each time you open it, make sure that the area around the filler neck is clean
The oil level should remain between the two marks, preferably at or close to the top of them - if this is not the case, add oil to the top mark. The amount of oil between the MIN and MAX marks is 1 liter. Shown are two versions of the oil level indicator
Expansion tank (coolant tank) located on the side of the engine compartment. The fluid level on a cold engine must be between the MIN and MAX marks. On a hot engine, the MAX mark may be slightly exceeded. Remove cap and add coolant if necessary
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