Pyrometer for my TDI Jetta

[Boatowner]

I have a 2005 VW Jetta TDI. I also have a 2001 Dodge Cummins. I had a pyrometer installed on it several years ago and really like the assurance I am protecting my engine by being aware of exhaust gas temps. So, I would like to get one for my Jetta. What recommendations do people have for where to get one with a temperature gauge, not just a warning? What is the best brand? What is the worst?

Next question, is there any known problem with mixing Motul 507 5w30 oil with the Mobil 1 ESP 5w30 which is also a 507 oil?

 

[DieselTech]

Dannon products diprcol Optix & mcnally elecronics will be your best options.
Autometer- Good
off brands- Bad

This one quite slick and install is simple
http://www.mcnallyelectronics.com/products.htm

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: Boatowner
What recommendations do people have for where to get one with a temperature gauge, not just a warning?


The McNally gauges are really slick. I've heard of a few having firmware issues on TDIClub, but all of them being repaired. 42 Draft designs also has EGT gauges - VDO & Stewart Warner.

Originally Posted By: Boatowner
Next question, is there any known problem with mixing Motul 507 5w30 oil with the Mobil 1 ESP 5w30 which is also a 507 oil?
Not with mixing them in particular, but I would strongly caution you to not use 5w30 oils in PD TDIs. You really should use a 5w40. And CJ4 oils have shown far better used oil analysis than VW-spec oils. Mobil 1 5w40 Turbo Diesel Truck is a very popular off-book oil for PDs. I'm running Schaeffer 9000 5w40 in both of my TDIs and a few folks are running Shell Rotella 5w40 (currently called T6). Almost all of us using CJ-4 5w40 oils have better used oil analysis than the 5w30 VW-spec oils.

If you want to stick with the 505.01 specification, try Pentosin Pento High Performance II 5w40 from I D Parts dawt com.

 

[mechtech2]

I can see this in a aircraft, but in a street car, what are you going to do with it?
NOT step on the gas when you want to??
Another car should then have been purchased!

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: mechtech2
I can see this in a aircraft, but in a street car, what are you going to do with it?
With stock tuning, there is little need for it. If using an aftermarket chiptune it can be very beneficial to turbocharger longevity, especially if towing.

 

[Boatowner]

With regard to the oil, I have seen so many opinions on this it is almost impossible to find consensus, except I see a lot said for Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck, which I will probably switch to when I finish my stash. I asked the expert on Lombard and he said it is a matter of additive levels and keeping oil changed. He did not think 507 vs. 505.01 or whatever really mattered on my 6k oci. We will find out more when he does my timing belt in 8,000 miles. Then we will find out what the cam looks like.

However, he did have one good anecdotal story. A guy came in with a 2004 Jetta TDI PD wagon. This guy was quite proud of using the correct oil, Delo 15w40. The expert quit arguing with the guy and took off the valve cover to show the guy the damage. He said it looked like all new parts. Perfect condition. I asked, he didn't know what oci the guy was following.

The moral of the story is that which oil you use is not the only consideration in how your PD or other TDI engine holds up.

And, I am done with the 505.01 spec. Benn there, not going back. I was using Motul, didn't want Castrol TXT synthetic blend fake synthetic oil near my TDI.

Last thing, the Lombard expert said you don't drive any diesel like it was stolen if you want it to last. Sorry, I am a boring driver, just ask my kids. I have never gotten a speeding ticket in my life.

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: Boatowner
He did not think 507 vs. 505.01 or whatever really mattered on my 6k oci. We will find out more when he does my timing belt in 8,000 miles. Then we will find out what the cam looks like.

6k OCI! You're throwing out perfectly good oil at least 4k miles too early. Factory interval is 10k miles and conservative at that - my last OCI was 23k km (14k miles) on Schaeffer 9000 and only done because I was moving to Baltimore and wouldn't have a garage. Lots of folks are going 15k+ miles on an OCI on TDIClub with good used oil analysis, even PDs running Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck.

You can find out what your cam looks like anytime you want, takes all of 5 minutes to pop the valve cover off.

Originally Posted By: Boatowner
A guy came in with a 2004 Jetta TDI PD wagon. This guy was quite proud of using the correct oil, Delo 15w40. The expert quit arguing with the guy and took off the valve cover to show the guy the damage. He said it looked like all new parts. Perfect condition.
Funny, my mechanic in Madison WI (JasonTDI, FWIW) had a similar experience. A guy came in for a timing belt on his relatively new PD Jetta, had been running 15w40 Cen-Pe-Co in it since new. He expected to see absolute carnage under the valve cover, but when he got it off it looked like new.

5w40 CJ-4 synthetic seems to do the trick for 99% of us out there, though.

 

[Boatowner]

My commute is 2 miles each way. Does that affect your opinion any?

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: Boatowner
My commute is 2 miles each way. Does that affect your opinion any?
Yes. You should walk instead.