I dont know if this is where I get info about car issues, here goes. I have a 1998 VX new beetle diesel and it has no power and it blows black smoke. When I step on the go pedal it only revs to 2000 rpm and thats it. Any ideas? welcomed

Thanks

 

I don't know much about the VW diesels, sounds like a problem with your turbo, though...can you hear if the turbo is spinning? do you have a boost gauge?

Welcome to DB!

 

change the fuel filter nad air filter and see how she goes then

 

Black smoke and no power - simple - the inlet has fallen off the turbo giving you no boost, lots of fuel and no power. It has happened to me on my 2003 after a large dip in the road. Not fun to go from 120km/h to 30km/h in 1200m.

So, remove the skid plate or plastic bottom skirting. Look up under the foot well of the passenger and inspect - it will be easy to see. Fix it by ditching the spring clamp and installing a real band clamp that is screwed down.

It may be your MAF and all that other sort of thing too but always look at the simple things first.

 

sounds like MAF to me seen it way to many times at the dealer. Pull the MAF get some sensor safe intake cleaner and give it a good cleaning be carfull around the tip where the wire is. Somethimes this will fix them if not you have nothing to loose. you can find them fairly inexpencve in the aftermarket

 

On a '98 that is doubtful as if it has been driven hard as it should be and the plastic skid plate is damaged it is likely the plumbing to the turbo is also damaged in some way - much like say an older dodge with a boost leak (cracks etc.).

Anyway, like I said, look at the easy stuff first and get back to us.

 

Thanks for the helpful info. Atleast I am headed in the right direction. Ive checked all the plumbing I took the turbo out and checked the bearing. Put it all back together (that was fun). Nothing has changed. Now I am on the top of the engine and going through all of the fuel system up there. What ever I find I will defintely let everyone know what it is.

 

you may want to check the condition of your timming belt as well... might have jumped if it is old

 

It was a soot build up in the intake. It was sooo bad I could barely put my finger in there. Thanks again for your info I hope someone can read this before it costs him too much time or $$$.

 

The killer of VW diesels is the EGR.You can disable by plugging line with a BB.