Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul Joseph
I am a 2010 TDI owner and have owned several VW diesels since 1978....
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... My last TDI was a wonderful car except it had no heat in the winter. Despite numerous complaints and trips to the dealer, the company's only answer was to recommend a grille cover at my cost (after I'd spent $25K on a new car) - furthermore it didn't solve the problem. I'm therefore afraid that any attempted fix "at my cost" will be futile. After 30+ years of VW loyalty, I'm seriously thinking about driving down the road to the competition (sans Diesel unfortunately). I hope someone at VW Corp sees this and considers responding.
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Hello Paul. I made a grille cover myself from no color plexiglass, so it looks nice. I made three for 30 bucks, so I can have two as spare or exchange them with other TDI owners. I am using them the year round, as this improves aerodynamics also! My engine has never heat a bit over 85 degrees Centigrades (the ideal temp).
Use a thin panel of plexiglass (1mm), it can be cut with a good seasors. First, make a model on cardboard until you are satisfied. Test it in position, taking in consideration you will need to open the hood. Leave a 5 x 20 cm opening in front of the air input and a small vertical opening for the hood lock. The diesel engine likes to work hot to 85 degrees centigrades, but it likes the breath fresh air too!
After the cardboard grill cover is ok, copy it to the plexiglass. Before drilling holes to fix it to the grill, pay attention where are you going to fix the bolts. I used 12 bolts. The bolts has to be 1 and a half inch long, but thin. You will need small pieces of rigid plastic backs, to fix the bolts to the back of the grille.
You will spend some hours of fun making the grille and will save lot of money. The car will even gain about 2% on fuel yield.
I may send you a picture of my grill if you give me yr email address.
All the best,
Oldbeaver
As a matter of fact, I am trying to soften my Skoda Octavia TDI also, when I find a solution, I will share with the forum.