Engine life (VW Golf 3)

Diesel engines have a mileage of at least 100,000 to 150,000 km.

Cars that have a small number of cold starts during operation and, as a rule, are operated at a low number of revolutions, as well as with professional operation, last longer. If the diesel engine does not suffer mechanical damage (failure of valves, pistons or connecting rods), then in the future it will be necessary to deal with significant difficulties when starting at low temperatures. The reason for this is the increased wear of the cylinder surfaces in the area of the return point of the first piston ring (so-called wedge wear). A deep circular groove forms on the surface in this area, which prevents the piston ring from maintaining the necessary compression in the combustion chamber when starting the engine. The air in the combustion chamber is not heated enough during the compression stroke and the injected diesel fuel, despite the functioning preheating system, does not ignite.

If towing is used, the engine, which is helped to reach a high number of revolutions, can at the same time reach the required compression. At which ignition becomes possible again. In the future, it is unlikely that the driver of a diesel car will be able to constantly use a tow truck on cold days. In this case, it is necessary to replace the parts.

[The article is posted on the portal: www.vwmanual.ru]