2002 TDI Beetle with 130,000 miles
Two weeks ago we re-calibrated the EGR setting using the VAG-COM to 33768, based on the this recommendation. We also performed the intake and EGR cleaning based on the FAQ on this site. Last but not least we changed the air, fuel, and oil filters (and oil itself).
Following that work it ran wonderfully, and we put 700 miles on it driving home from Christmas.
Today, my wife was driving and it all of a sudden dropped power, started sputtering and spit out black smoke (lots according to her, and then blue smoke.) She limped home. I cranked it and it idled just fine, no smoke. However, as soon as I pressed the accelerator it started to sputter and wouldn't accelerate at all. I didn't see much smoke, but I 'think' I smelled more fumes than normal. The check engine light is not on.
From what I've read, this sounds like limp mode, but I would have expected the check engine light to come on. I opened the hood and checked the various pipes and gaskets that we removed/adjusted with the intake cleaning and all appear intact. I only saw two things that concerned me (total newbie here.) One was a noticeable amount of oil like stuff stained/leaking from where the EGR and intake meet. When we reassembled we did not change any seal at that joint (none was present.) Also, while tightening the top back bolt, it felt like it was starting to strip (spin easier) and we stopped tightening it. The other two bolts tightened just fine. The intake is black around and down from that joint and it was clean when we mounted it.
The second thing I saw was an oily substance on the inside of the 2" intake hose that leads to the EGR. I disconnected it at the front near the passenger headlight, and when I poked my finger in it was wet with oil. I thought that would be a dry pipe. yes, no?
I would greatly apreciate any advice and/or direction to begin diagnosing this. I don't have a vag-com but I can rent one from autozone if necessary. I don't have a compressor to do a pressure test either. Is there an alternative method to isolate the problem? Thanks all!
Two weeks ago we re-calibrated the EGR setting using the VAG-COM to 33768, based on the this recommendation. We also performed the intake and EGR cleaning based on the FAQ on this site. Last but not least we changed the air, fuel, and oil filters (and oil itself).
Following that work it ran wonderfully, and we put 700 miles on it driving home from Christmas.
Today, my wife was driving and it all of a sudden dropped power, started sputtering and spit out black smoke (lots according to her, and then blue smoke.) She limped home. I cranked it and it idled just fine, no smoke. However, as soon as I pressed the accelerator it started to sputter and wouldn't accelerate at all. I didn't see much smoke, but I 'think' I smelled more fumes than normal. The check engine light is not on.
From what I've read, this sounds like limp mode, but I would have expected the check engine light to come on. I opened the hood and checked the various pipes and gaskets that we removed/adjusted with the intake cleaning and all appear intact. I only saw two things that concerned me (total newbie here.) One was a noticeable amount of oil like stuff stained/leaking from where the EGR and intake meet. When we reassembled we did not change any seal at that joint (none was present.) Also, while tightening the top back bolt, it felt like it was starting to strip (spin easier) and we stopped tightening it. The other two bolts tightened just fine. The intake is black around and down from that joint and it was clean when we mounted it.
The second thing I saw was an oily substance on the inside of the 2" intake hose that leads to the EGR. I disconnected it at the front near the passenger headlight, and when I poked my finger in it was wet with oil. I thought that would be a dry pipe. yes, no?
I would greatly apreciate any advice and/or direction to begin diagnosing this. I don't have a vag-com but I can rent one from autozone if necessary. I don't have a compressor to do a pressure test either. Is there an alternative method to isolate the problem? Thanks all!