My TDI beetle died HELP

[Paulrd277]

I dont know much about engines, but I have a WVO TDI Beetle that went through a puddle in a big rain storm in New Hampshire. After that the car had a big puff of blue smoke and ended up revving really high, so I shut the engine off. Am I going to need to buy a new engine or will I be able to fix the engine I have? I have worked on cars through my life so I do have some knowledge. If there is anyone who can help or has any idea, please let me know. If there is someone in the New England Area that has a TDI motor please let me know. If I can't find an engine and there is nothing I can do, I would be willing to sell as is. It is a 1999 GLS loaded with leather, heated seats, sunroof and also has the waste veggie oil system in it. Also has new tires and rims. Best reply is by email but I will check on here as well. Thank You!

[kcfoxie]

I'm going to spare you the lecture on WVO in any TDI motor.

I don't think you hydrolocked it, but I'm thinking it would be best to swap the engine out.

You're going to get better help at TDIClub. NOTE: DO NOT mention it was a WVO vehicle. Just don't.

Also, with the next motor, spend the $500 and build a GirlMark AppleSeed biodiesel reactor and make a real fuel out of that thick gunk and save the valves and pistons from the cake-y build up you're gonna find when you dismantle that old engine.

[SEABEECM1]

so i assume the engine wont turn over now? does it run but has noises? is your car a 5 speed or automatic?

[Paulrd277]

Doesn't turn over, it's a 5 speed

[gt4494]

Could be the Timing Belt.. How many miles on it?

[Paulrd277]

180k, which isn't that much really? I'd be willing to sell for $2k if anyone is interested?

[SEABEECM1]

to bad you are not closer sounds to be a good deal

[gt4494]

How many miles since the TB was changed?

[Growler]

send a PM to Thecheat. he is in your area (CT) travels, and knows enough about the TDIs.

Good luck. WVO hasnt helped things, but it is what it is. now to fix it.

[cdetdi]

Paul,

Bluntly, this is not good.

The blue smoke and high revs is called "run-away" and it occurs when large amounts of oil is getting into your engine. If the engine revved high then you were unable to turn it over it is hydrolocked.

Its something we deal with a few times a day here, you will need to bring your car to a TDI guru. When and engine is hydrolocked it is certain to have bent connecting rods, which are about $700 dollars for a set and are VW only.

The oil may have come from damaged piston rings due to the WVO system, which will mean that the pistons must be re-ringed, which is $100 in parts.

Worst case scenario the high rev and locking scuffed the walls of the cylinder, meaning the block may be damaged and may need to be re-bored. You can get away with not doing that but the car will always be consuming oil.

It will take a good VW/TDI guru the better part of a few days to fix everything, so you are probably looking at a $3000+ total repair bill. It may be cheaper to find a used engine.

Objectively: WVO dramatically changes how your car must be maintained. Owners of high-mileage TDIs running on WVO have very strict maintenance schedules, including 3,000 mile oil changes, that they follow religiously. If you chose to stick with WVO after this experience, please read THIS THREAD ON TDICLUB VERY carfully.