Another Successful Get TogetherWith three tech session presenters our GTG had a lot of action this past Saturday, Feb 25th, 2012. Tim Roberts did a terrific, hands-on demonstration regarding the diagnosis and replacement of the elusive VW-TDI alternator pulley. He described in words (and sound effects) the noise associated with faltering alternator pulleys.Many TDI owners are unaware that the TDI alternator has a special pulley designed to only turn the alternator shaft in one direction. This design was implemented to reduce the roughness that is evident during engine idling. The easiest sign of pulley failure is a jumping serpentine belt & tensioner. Dealers get a pretty penny (actually a lot more than that!) to replace the pulley, but enthusiasts can do their own replacement with the necessary help from a specialized tool that is used to hold the alternator shaft stationary while the pulleys fastener is removed. This entire process is quite simple though you may have some periods of frustration if your pulleys fasteners are stuck, as was the case with Horst who also replaced his alternator pulley.

Feb. 25th G.T.G. REPORT

Autocross FunThough we had a very small turnout of TDI members attend the Martin Racing autocross on Sunday, Feb 12th, 2012 in Tavares, FL, the three TDIs running the track did an admirable job of representing our vehicles. Both Ivan Drusc and Mark Williams scored high in their respective classes. In fact, I think they scored in first place if my memory is correct. I had previously placed 8th in my class (out of 8) and I moved up to 2nd place (there were actually only 3 in our class and one of the guys left early). The guys & gals with Martin Racing were cordial and fantastic. I would encourage all auto enthusiasts to learn the handling charac-teristics and limits of their car by taking your ride to the track and giving it a whirl. Dont feel that you have to win. This driving experience prepares you for unseen calamity on the road so as to save your bodily health and your VWs condition.

Horst is a snowbird from Ontario, Canada, who is also a friend of longtime Central Florida TDI Club member Frank Preuss. Frank assisted Horst in the replacement of the alternator pulley. Frank had also (continued next page)

Horst, right, watches Tim Roberts demo.

volunteered to supplement Tims presentation with his own insights but was unfortunately called in for mandatory overtime at work. So, Frank being the dedicated TDIer that he is, put together a chart & display with sample parts related to this repair topic.GTG attendees were treated to a real professional tech session between the efforts of Tim, Horst and Frank. This was certainly a very worthwhile event that will save future TDI enthusiasts well over $300 in labor. Just another reason to join us at our twice-a-year Get Togethers.But our action certainly didnt stop there. Oh no. Yours truly, Chris Mendola, did a short demo on headlight lens polishing. With so many kits available on the market made to bring your dull headlight lens back to full transparency, its very disappointing to find that so

many of these products never live up to their claim. Consumer Reports testing magazine (March 2012 issue, page 53) reported on four such headlight kits ranging in price from $9-$21. After trying at least three other kits not mentioned in the article, and being very disappointed in the results (or lack of), I tried a product that Ive used on my show cars 3Ms Finesse II polishing product. This stuff works and its results seem to last for about 4-6 months. But its price is not for the faint-hearted. Available through auto paint distributors, Finesse II retails for about $67 a quart (32 ounces) or about $2+ per ounce. I found I could polish both lens covers with 2-4 ounces of Finesse resulting in a cost of about $4-$8 per application. This quantity is definitely affected by the polishing pad on your buffer; the bigger & thicker the buffing pad, the more polish is absorbed into the pad. Hand polishing is much slower but can provide good results if you have arm muscles that can work at it a bit.

FALL TDI-GTG WILL FEATURE TIMING BELT REPLACEMENTThe thought of having to pay over $1000 to have your timing belt replaced is daunting to many TDI owners. This author originally joined the Central Florida TDI Club with the expressed intent of learning how to replace his own timing belt, especially after suffering sticker estimate shock at a VW shop. Having now replaced two timing belts in 187,000 miles I can say, It aint as bad as having wisdom teeth pulled, and its a lot cheaper. Our fall 2012 GTG will provide an in-depth, comprehensive exploration on how to replace your own timing belt. It will feature what many consider to be the most comprehensive look at the parts, tools, and procedures needed to do your own timing belt replacement AND attendees will gain access to what some enthusiasts believe is the most exhaustive reference documents on this topic step-by-step directions with photos on how to replace your timing belt. But if you dont attend, you wont learn how!We expect our next TDI-GTG to be held during the second half of October or first half of November 2012. We will send out an email announcement as we get closer to that time. If you received this newsletter through a source other than a direct emailing, send us your email address so we may put you on our emailing list of future events & activities. Send your email address to doctordiesel@cox.net See yall in the fall.

Diesel drivers are all torque!

(above)Tim Roberts demos alternator pulley replacement

(above) Polished lens on left, unpolished lens on right