Taylor’s first VW and a CinciTDI Throwback Thursday #TBT


December 7, 2023

About a month ago, I stumbled across a photo that I think was used as a header for the CinciTDI website at some point after Katelyn and I sold our VW Jetta TDIs, but I had to smile noticing the Volkswagen in the header photo was once Taylor’s GTI. Very good memories for sure (and […]

CinciTDI winter Social GTG at Roosters


February 17, 2013

A handful of CinciTDI friends gathered on Saturday at Roosters in Fairfield Ohio with our Volkswagen TDIs and stayed warm inside most of the time for just a social get together (GTG). That’s not to say a few cars didn’t need a bit of "wrenching," but the temperature and wind chill would not have have […]

AWD Volkswagen TDI R-line diesel | CinciTDI.com


November 23, 2011

Could you be tempted by an AWD “performance” version of your favorite Volkswagen model … IF it was available with a diesel? According to recent comments at the LA Auto Show, VW could be offering their “R” line all-wheel drive with a TDI … and in more than the hatchback. “The future is diesel and […]

2012 VW Passat TDI pricing starts at $26,765 | CinciTDI.com


May 26, 2011

Priced too high, too low, just right? Perhaps we’ll have to see how well the American built Passat is equipped and how well it drives? Check out the Car and Driver article. The Passat TDI, which has VW’s outstanding 2.0-liter four-cylinder diesel, making 140 hp and 236 lb-ft, starts at $26,765. At that price, buyers […]

B99 biodiesel from Jatrodiesel in Miamisburg OH | CinciTDI.com


April 18, 2011

If you live between Dayton and Cincinnati and drive a B99 biodiesel capable car (word of caution for some of the latest models), you can now fill up for substantially less than the current $4-plus/gallon price of petroleum diesel … and do your part to help the environment. Biodiesel is now available on a regular […]

CinciTDI Volkswagen diesel GTG tomorrow in Cincinnati


February 19, 2010

Slipped my mind, but wanted to make a note on my blog to be sure all Cincinnati area VW TDI people knew about the CinciTDI.com / TDIClub.com GTG tomorrow — 8am February 20th. Feb 20th GTG @Dubwerx Its official, Dubwerx is hosting our GTG on Feb 20th, at 8:00 to whenever we get kicked out.Dubwerks […]

CinciTDI thoughts for TDIFest 2009 Welcome Bags


June 18, 2009

Our local VW TDI group is working on a ‘welcome bag’ item for this year’s TDIFest 2009 near Washington DC (Herndon, Virginia). CinciTDI.com group, which hosted the TDIFest OH8 last year, has decided to offer up something for the registrants. Initially we though about a small canvas portfolio bag, a 12 LED flashlight (still pretty […]

CinciTDI guys working on a couple new How To clips


January 3, 2009

A few of us from the CinciTDI group enjoyed Saturday afternoon working on our Volkswagen TDI diesel cars and filming a new Fuel Injection Pump How To video. Bruce Bowling was once again in front of the camera and demonstrated the procedure to replace leaking gaskets and in making injection quantity (IQ) adjustments — both […]

CinciTDI Brake Bleeding GTG


September 22, 2007

Missing Google PHOTOS It was a great day for a CinciTDI get together (GTG) as the scheduled brake bleeding event went like clockwork thanks to our volunteer ‘wrenchers.’ (Thank you guys) Most of the VW TDIs received fresh brake fluid very efficiently as the Motive Powerbleeders made short work of changing the brake fluid in […]

CinciTDI GTG set for Saturday, September 22nd


August 27, 2007

Have you changed your brake fluid lately? On most if not all TDIs, VW recommends that you change your brake fluid every 2 year regardless of mileage. So with that in mind, how about getting together on Saturday, September 22, 2007 with your fellow TDI owners and helping each other with a brake bleeding? (9AM […]

Newest and youngest CinciTDI member


September 13, 2006

In keeping with my desultory theme, I’ll offer a congratulations to my good friend Tim and his wife Julie on the birth of their 3rd child … their first son. Nathan was born on 9/12/2006 at 8:20AM at 6lbs 15oz and 19 3/4″ – long or tall – which is it? Nevertheless both mother and […]

CinciTDI DieselGeek Panzer Skidplate


July 26, 2006

I’m posting this particular Volkswagen TDI “How To” video clip here before I send it to Jim at DieselGeek or post to the CinciTDI website in hopes to have a couple extra eyeballs checking it out. I’m not all that concerned about filmmaking criticism (my ego can’t take that), but I want to make sure […]

CinciTDI Intake Cleaning GTG


August 22, 2005

“The morning after” the great CinciTDI “Intake Cleaning” GTG, or party depending on your perspective, sort of left me melancholy. The August GTG day is now gone after a long time in coming, and was even more successful than I envisioned. The real THANK YOU goes to Bruce for the mechanical aptitude and ‘nuts and […]

2005.5 Jetta V Trunk with CinciTDI.com


April 29, 2005

Since my digital Canon S50 comes with a limited ‘video’ mode I thought I would try it out and include a short video clip without audio below. What is noticable is that the trunk opens slowly when one triggers the trunk release and that the capacity is huge. Over 16 cu. ft. which is larger […]

Mashing together my thoughts on a few things automotive


April 21, 2024

The social group that I waste too much time in reading and replying to each week on X.com (a bunch of car enthusiasts and a few automotive journalists) posted a photo of a 1984 Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport last week. It was exactly like the second company car I had when working for Portage Newspaper Supply Company […]

Motorheads are slowly showing interest in EVs #automotive


August 20, 2022

My social participation in automotive groups and forums that were common for me decades ago (CinciTDI, TDIClub, etc) have shifted to social media friends on Facebook groups (not so much anymore) and Twitter (daily). Those contacts include a bunch of automotive journalist as well as people just interested in cars and trucks. The conversations has […]

Love our current vehicles, but do miss my VW Jetta TDI #TBT


July 16, 2020

The publicity around Ford’s new “bucking” Bronco for 2021 had me thinking about cars this week … as well as seeing a post from 12 years ago highlighting 100,000 odometer reading on Katelyn’s first car. Bronco aside, a few of my favorite vehicles are running through my head, but have a special soft spot my […]

Payment processing: Testing Square’s link tool with a Monocle


May 31, 2020

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Was it that long ago? My BIODZL Volkswagen Jetta TDI #TBT


August 15, 2019

Has it really been over 15 years since I was commuting back and forth from NE Ohio in my 2003 Volkswagen TDI (and filling up with biodiesel or seeing my car image on other peoples’ blogs?) Yes it has been awhile. After posting about a friend’s new Volkswagen Atlas (Tim Hunter sent me a new […]

Volkswagen is winning us back and easing bounteous warranty


August 1, 2019

CinciTDI GTG at our house August 20, 2008 – Throwback Thursday #TBT It has been a while since posting anything on Volkswagen or to the TDIClub forums; I’m likely I’m still sore over their “dieselgate” failure and the company giving up on diesel cars in North America. Still, I’m drawn to VWs and their excellent […]

Volkswagen will be keeping one customer and making new ones


September 23, 2018

According to my very pleased Volkswagen driving daughter, she’ll likely stay committed to the VW brand IF they continue to appreciate her as a customer. She was one of the first owners of the new 2018 Tiguan last year and has been very pleased with the first year vehicle. The performance, including regular 30+ mpg […]

Avoid fly by night services, plugins and linking when blogging


March 23, 2018

Here’s some advice from someone who as blogged daily since 2005 — AVOID using data, photos, video, etc archived on other services. Over the years, I have been frustrated by “what seemed great at the time” using services offered by companies who specialize in hosting data for users. A little history: It started for me […]

Looking back a few years to when I started to blog


April 28, 2017

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Disgruntled Volkswagen TDI owner not happy with buyback


December 21, 2016

Now that Volkswagen TDI owners have to accept the performance debilitating modification or return in their diesel cars in for compensation as the settlement enters the "compensation phase." Some have been stripping parts off their cars prior to turning them in. Joe Mayer, in Cincinnati has take that a step further … and stripped "the […]

Black Friday and Cyber Monday thoughts of shopping – eww!


November 26, 2016

No visits to the mall, stores or even online shopping for me on Black Friday, but I have started the process of looking for a new camera "system" to replace my aging DSLR. With my first granddaughter on the way, it might be time to get back to my roots and revisit my old hobby […]

Transmission cooler hose? Once again, AAA pays for itself!


September 29, 2016

While coming home from work at 9:30PM Tuesday night, Brenda called and said something didn’t feel right about our 2006 Honda Pilot. No unusual warning lights besides the "wrench" indicating we were due for an oil change, but the RPM were revving high. I stayed on the phone until she turn down our street and […]

Out with the old – Taylor sold his 2007 Volkswagen GTI


October 15, 2015

Who knows if this was a good decision or not … but my son Taylor decided to sell his 2007 Volkswagen GTI (no … not a diesel TDI tarnished by the VW emissions scandal) and is looking to buy something new. Maybe it was due to driving a full size pickup and a large SUV […]

SOLD: Katelyn’s 2001 VW Jetta TDI and a family weekend


March 3, 2014

The snow has returned again to stretch out this already long and cold winter. March has always been one of those questionable months, but one I generally associate with “spring” … so far not this year. Katelyn and Drew were home for the weekend and we had a great time together as usual. Besides talking […]

Repairing/replacing the Mercedes Benz 300D Air Conditioning


May 29, 2013

I’ve been accused of knowing a little about a lot of things, but not very much about anything.   This becoming exceedingly clear when it comes to understanding automotive air conditioning systems and I’ve been getting quite frustrated. The first hurdle is getting over the “leave that to the pros” and “it is illegal to […]

The Volkswagen TDIClub and the generosity of people


March 3, 2013

It is during the challenging times when people know they are associated with the right groups and organizations. A couple groups I belong to demonstrated their true colors over the past few weeks. The TDIClub, a Volkswagen diesel car club of which our local CinciTDI is part, rallied around a long standing and giving member. […]

Making a rare New Year’s resolution


January 1, 2013

I’ve never been much for resolution making and am a bit lax in goal setting overall … or at least I’ve never made it a focus to accomplish projects in timely fashion (Sonex, MGB, sailing) … but after talking with my son and CinciTDI friend about New Year’s resolutions, I’ve decided 2013 would be the […]

Picked up the 2012 Passat TDI for the TDIFest


September 2, 2011

For those interested in all things TDI (that’s Volkswagen TDI diesel automobiles), the TDIFest is this weekend in the host city of Lexington KY. Our local CinciTDI club is hosting the TDIClub “fest” and it looks to be a good one. Hopefully the weather and activities will be enjoyable … I know that I’m looking […]

Tech Friday and QR codes for smartphones and tablets


August 19, 2011

I’m getting pretty geeky with this post, but then again it this is a Tech Friday post. Having recently installed a QR (Quick Response) code reader on my Palm Pre, I’ve been trying to figure out just how to use them effectively. Obviously people sitting on a computer don’t need to use their smart-phone to […]

Let it be known that registration is open for the 2011 TDIFest


June 13, 2011

The invitation to the annual TDIFest may not be the biggest and best car show in the nation, but for a group of loyal Volkswagen (and Audi) TDIClub members, it is the big bash of the year – and not to be missed. Previous “fests” have been hosted by local dedicated members of the TDIClub forum […]

VW’s new Chattanooga, TN environmental friendly plant


May 28, 2011

The new Chattanooga, Tennessee Volkswagen plant opened this past week (May 24, 2011) and is an example of how VW incorporates its trademarked ThinkBlue initiative. Here’s hoping the trend continues to the cars they build in America … the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat and Passat TDI clean diesel. Below is a chart from the ThinkBlue […]

The TDIFest for 2011 was awarded to Lexington, Kentucky


November 24, 2010

Congratulations to my friend Bruce and somewhat local (<2hrs from Cinci) Volkswagen TDI guru for putting together the winning bid to host this years TDIFest. As those of us in the CinciTDI group found out in 2008, it was a big job … but ultimately rewarding. Hopefully our locals will be able to lend a […]

VW TDI Injection Pump Top Seal replacement


November 21, 2010

I almost forget … but I promised Jacob I would post this video. Here’s the footage that survived a CinciTDI How-To video attempt a year or so ago. Unfortunately the second part of the video (the more difficult part) covered the seal which requires more delicate adjustment and didn’t survive. I’m hoping we get a […]

Federal stimulus funds available for Ohio Biofuel companies


October 27, 2010

Federal stimulus funds are political hot potato as the Novemeber 2010 election draws near, but it is still good to know where the money is being spent. According to Biodiesel Magazine,  the Ohio Department of Development will be using "$8 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, to help biodiesel and ethanol […]

Fuelly.com MPG numbers on my daughter’s VW Jetta TDI


October 24, 2010

My daughter recently started tracking her 2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI fuel economy numbers on Fuelly.com and we have both been impress at the significant improvement since replacing her tires. Although she doesn’t have a lifetime of postings for her car, the regular private calculations haven’t been near the 50 mpg mark. She (we) couldn’t be […]

The Dieselgeek Panzer skidplate kit keep getting better


September 12, 2010

A couple CinciTDI guys stopped over on Sunday afternoon and we installed a Dieselgeek Panzer plate on Tim Hunter‘s Volkswagen Golf TDI. He waited a bit too long (in my opinion) as his TDI is now over 180,000 miles,  but his VW is still a solid little commuter. His little hatchback certainly doesn’t fit his […]

Stick with VW: A review of the pricey 2010 Audi A3 TDI


August 30, 2010

After reading the Winding Road review of the 2010 Audi A3 TDI, there isn’t a good reason to envy those forking over additional dollars to own the Audi (over $30K). Comments from the review: We relished the torquiness of the 2.0-liter TDI, with its 236 pound-feet of torque on tap for passing maneuvers. Strangely, this […]

Algae for biodiesel research continues


July 26, 2010

For alternatives to petroleum, the hype has recently been about EVs and almost all auto makers are rolling out their electric vehicles, yet for most American automotive owners they are far from practical considering the miles of highway and distances we travel. For that, efficient clean diesels running biodiesel makes a lot of sense … […]

Jury rigged trunk mechanism for 2001 VW Jetta TDI


July 6, 2010

The electrical and mechanical release locking mechanism on my daughter’s 2001 Volkswagen Jetta TDI’s trunk malfunctioned last week and after further digging I noticed a broken plastic part. The complex linkage has both an electrical plunger and key lock that controls the latch. Unfortunately the poorly engineered (IMHO) plastic part broke off (click image below […]

VW Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition in Autoblog’s long-term garage


June 30, 2010

Including a Posterous.com update from my car groups local website. I’ve been wanting to try linking in this way to see how well Posterous reposts. The popular automotive website Autoblog has put the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition in their long-term garage and will be posting on their findings over the coming months. […]

Consider the economical 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI


June 24, 2010

For many A3 and A4 Volkswagen Golf TDI diesel lovers, it was good to see the TDI badge back on the North American version of their favorite economical and comfortable hatchback — some are glad to see the Golf badge as well. Boston.com‘s car reviewer Bill Griffith came to a similar conclusion in his recent […]

Keep the TDI ‘clean diesel’ tax credit deadlines in mind


June 4, 2010

Worth mentioning if you’re considering a new Volkswagen TDI this year … via cincitdi.com Posted via web from richc’s posterous

Volkswagen to push “Think Blue” to the automotive forefront


February 27, 2010

Starting February 27th, Volkswagen will be implementing a "Think Blue" marketing campaign stressing the company’s focus on "sustainable mobility" which to CinciTDI and TDIClub members highlights the fuel efficiency of VW TDI diesel vehicles and the environmental awareness of new "clean diesel" TDIs and biodiesel fuel options. Volkswagen is building on the "BlueMotion" label and […]

Protecting the underside of a VW TDI with an alumium skidplate


September 21, 2009

Volkwagen TDI friend Eric R. and I filmed a new CinciTDI “How-To” video on Sunday afternoon and as installed his new Dieselgeek Panzer skidplate and ‘Full Metal Jacket‘ side skirts (great kit Jim). The installation was easy and although we were puzzled by a couple of the tabs on the side skirts — but it […]

Rocketchip Tuning Session at Jon’s Auto June 13, 2009 at 8 AM


June 3, 2009

Don’t miss the tuning session on Saturday June 13th if your Volkwagen TDI diesel needs a bit more get up and go. Jeff Robinson from Rocketchip will be at Jon Hamilton’s garage working his magic.  Be early if you don’t want to wait. Jon’s Auto LLC is proud to present the return of Jeff from […]

Enjoyed meeting with the EAA284.org guys on Sunday


March 9, 2009

Small and informal (as usual) EAA284.org gathering on Sunday afternoon and continued to discuss a couple rib stitching  and wing/fuselage covering options. Stewart Systems less toxic EkoBond were looked at (PDF Manual) and we entertained thoughts on possibly creating a How-To video for making stitching needles from welding rods. Although I’m building an aluminum aircraft, […]

The VW Jetta TDI or the popular Toyota Prius


March 2, 2009

In my circle of diesel loving friends I have rarely heard that people have difficulty in deciding between the well equipped 2009 Volkswagen Jetta TDI or 2009 Toyota Prius, but that isn’t always the case for those listening to all the media hype praising hybrid cars.  In case you are one of the few looking […]

Volkswagen shows off its 4Motion Golf TDI


December 16, 2008

Volkswagen announced the availability of its 4Motion all-wheel-drive system for the Golf TDI  in Europe … but not in North America, of course. The drivetrain is exclusive to TDI models utilizing the manual-transmission variant of the 2.0L TDI clean diesel engine. The fuel efficiently is down about 8 mpg from the FWD only model, but […]

Nice day but too much to do …


August 18, 2008

I really wanted to take off early today and head home to just lounge in the pool, but the pile of work to be done is not getting smaller. The summer is getting away from me and don’t see much slowing down before September. First, we’ll be moving my son to college over the weekend […]

Commentary on Volkswagen’s new small SUV


August 6, 2008

Volkswagen’s 2009 small SUV, the Tiguan, hasn’t exactly taken North America by storm, but at least VW finally has a vehicle to compete with Honda’s CRV and Toyota’s Rav4. I wouldn’t say that Volkswagen has struck out with the Tiguan, but in my opinion they have at least two strikes against them. After owning a […]

Wholesale refined fuel prices move lower


July 18, 2008

Now that wholesale prices for refined fuels are retreating a bit from their speculator driven lofty levels, I’ve been asked by a few people when this change is going to be felt at the retail level? My best guess would be soon … but then I’m wrong more than I’m right these days. Gasbuddy.com reports: […]

Questionable corporate Volkswagen decisions


April 24, 2008

First … Volkswagen Group of America announced that they would be shortening their bumper to bumper warranty to 3 years or 36,000 miles for all 2009 models. 🙁 Second … they will be offering free maintenance for VW models for three years or 36,000 miles. 🙂 Third … the much ballyhooed and timely Golf TDI […]

Good video on growing algae for fuel


April 13, 2008

I’ve posted a few times before about different renewable oil crops used produce biofuels and have concluded that the most promising is algae grown to product biodiesel. (here’s an excellent PDF document) The desert cement pond approach has been my thinking all along, although several innovative companies are working on even better ideas. The efficiency […]

VW Sharan BlueMotion at Geneva Auto Show


March 2, 2008

The Geneva Auto Show will have another new clean diesel vehicle which would probably appeal to families here in the U.S. — the Volkswagen Sharan BlueMotion. Unfortunately it is headed to the UK later this year with no indication that it is coming to North America. The turbo diesel powered Sharan offers an impressively low […]

Timing belt intervals improve … but beware


December 23, 2007

The timing belt replacement is the bane of Volkswagen TDI ownership — partially due to the complexity and cost of servicing, yet it needs to be taken seriously as in any zero-clearance engine. Understanding what’s included in changing timing belts of any car can help one better understand what should be included in this service. […]

TDIFest OH-8 to be held in Cincinnati


November 16, 2007

Fred Voglmaier founder of the TDIClub announced Thursday November 15th that Cincinnati was chosen as the site for the 2008 TDIFest to be held on Labor Day weekend — TDIFest OH-8. The CinciTDI group with help from the ColumbusTDIDrivers group are excited to host the annual gathering and believe our central location could make this […]

A bitter sweet day: Goodbye TDI


October 3, 2007

It has been a rare vehicle that has charmed me the way my 2003 Volkswagen Jetta TDI has … but all good things eventually come to an end; today I sold my car. I’ve spent the last year trying to solve a sore leg/hip problem that has been aggravated by my regular four hour trips […]

Should the next TDIFest be in Ohio?


September 10, 2007

Four CinciTDI members headed to the Mason Ohio/King’s Island area on Sunday to scout out conference hotels in order to put in a proposal for 2008’s TDIFest. We’ve started the ball is rolling and hopefully area TDI members will consider stepping forward with ideas and their time. We visited several hotels and came away with […]

Biofuels: Food crops vs. Fuel crops


August 31, 2007

I’ve been participating in a discussion in our CinciTDI Yahoo group over the concern that food crops a being used for fuels … particularly as it relates to biodiesel. With the demand for soybeans (and corn for ethanol) rising, these two staple food and feed crops are returning higher prices per bushel. This is good […]

My Volkswagen TDI “new tires” MPG update


August 29, 2007

Speedway in Brimfield Ohio is still selling 500ppm LSD In a previous post I commented to the effect that maybe my 2003 VW Jetta TDI’s fuel economy might go down after purchasing new tires with a more aggressive all-weather tread. After two tanks of fuel, one B-20 (20% biodiesel and 80% Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel), […]

Some Ohio towns suffer worst flooding in 100 years


August 23, 2007

Traveling around the state of Ohio this week, it is amazing the difference a few hundred miles can make. In my home of Cincinnati, its relatively dry with rainfall for the month almost 3 inches below normal. In Cleveland the recent heavy rains have put them 6+inches over the monthly averages. The recent heavy rains […]

More positive accolades for Volkswagen’s EOS


July 19, 2007

Frank Giovinazzi, Publisher of Car Buyer’s Notebook produced a short YouTube review about the summer fun AND four season Volkswagen EOS. The EOS was Motorweek’s Convertible of the Year for 2007 and Autobytel’s best convertible under $75,000 — its the only retractable hardtop convertible with a panoramic sunroof. Too bad I’ll never personally own one […]

Ohio gives biofuel retailers a tax credit


July 15, 2007

There is positive news for advocates for Ohio biofuels; fuel retailers who sell E85 Ethanol and B20 Biodiesel will receive a 15 cents per gallon tax credit in 2008 and 13 cents in 2009. The credits go to the retailer of the biofuel. I’ll include a press release from the Ohio Soybean Growers Association signed […]

2007 Volkswagen EOS: Convertible of the year


June 19, 2007

My wife has admired the Volkswagen EOS ‘retractable hardtop’ convertible ever since it appeared in 2006. She is attracted to it first because it is a convertible, second because its not a soft-top convertible and third because it drives like a sporty VW (we did test drive an EOS with the DSG and turbo 2.0L, […]

Listing of ‘authorized’ VW Club gatherings


June 16, 2007

Volkswagen’s Driver Magazine published a listing of ‘authorized’ VW Club gatherings for the summer of 2007 for those interested in all things VW. More information on becoming an ‘authorized’ VW Club can be found on the VW website. (CinciTDI and the TDIClub are not ‘authorized club.’ The 2007 TDIFest will be in Montreal, Canada … […]

A good budget VW TDI for someone?


June 14, 2007

I took a quick couple cellphone photos of a damaged 2000 Volkswagen TDI 5 speed at Mason Auto Sales. (used car lot) It doesn’t look all that bad, has 145,000 miles and might make someone a good college car. Great for biodiesel and its hard to beat 45+ mpg! (full post over at CinciTDI’s classified […]

Gasoline jumps 30 cent in SW Ohio today


May 22, 2007

Today in Cincinnati (5/22) the price of gasoline is starting to “faze” folks. The spike in gas prices is the talk at nearly every stop I’ve made today. By afternoon, most stations boosted prices 30 cents for a gallon of unleaded regular gasoline. It was averaging about $3.18 and is now easily $3.49. (some stations […]

New Alternator and Renewable Fuel Price update


May 9, 2007

Tried to post this photo from the Palm Treo via Flickr, but it didn’t work this morning … hmm? Anyway, after filling up my Volkswagen TDI with some left over B100 at home ($2.50/gal – leftover from last year), I stopped at the Sunoco renewable fuels station at the I-71 Mt. Gilead exit 151. Price […]

Peak Oil and a biodiesel powered VW TDI


March 25, 2007

A CinciTDI friend forwarded a CBC news segment on peak oil and I thought it was interesting enough to share. (Thanks Mike) The ‘rattle’ of the little 1.9 liter diesel is definitely noticeable to those familiar with our VW oil (or biodiesel) burners. Not all of us necessarily agree with the Peak Oil position as […]

Earthrace: not a Happy National Biodiesel Day


March 18, 2007

Although it would be better to celebrate “National Biodiesel Day” with good news from the Earthrace team, its not been a promising start for the biodiesel project. After significant hype, having prop problems followed by a cracked engine part are putting nails in the coffin for the crew attempting a world record biodiesel circumnavigation. The […]

Earthrace: Disappointment on the first leg


March 11, 2007

EDIT: The Earthrace team hasn’t given up. I’ve posted a 3/12/2007 update over on a new ‘Drupal‘ driven CinciTDI site — in the biodiesel section. (or visit Earthrace.net) March 11, 2007 Press Release: Earthrace Limping into First Race Port Panama City, Panama- March 11, 2007—On 10th March, Earthrace started its attempt to set a new […]

Fuel prices: I-71 Sunoco Biodiesel and E85


February 28, 2007

Fuel prices have jumped this past week and a comment over at CinciTDI has me wondering if this is a short term trend or if it will continue into spring and summer. Psychologically, I’m finding my own personal limits are being challenged again, although I’ve come to accepted $2.50 for ULSD or biodiesel. (maybe it […]

Goss’ Garage: more on “tire pressure monitoring”


January 8, 2007

At the CinciTDI group we had a discussion about “Tire Pressure Monitoring” and I continue to come across a few extra tidbits worth sharing. Back in December I made a comment that the information Motorweek produced wasn’t as complete as it could have been, and so low and behold Pat Goss had another guest to […]

VW TDI “How-To” Cabin Filter preview


December 20, 2006

I finally pulled some 3 month old VW TDI “How-To” footage off the camera and encoded it last night before going to bed. I haven’t had a chance to put fresh eyes on it or even watch it through, so before I post it to the CinciTDI video section, perhaps a couple Volkswagen TDI oriented […]

Review: Metalmanparts VW TDI Timing Belt Kit


December 19, 2006

Its about time for my 2003 Volkswagen Jetta TDI to receive her new timing belt. As I close in on 100,000 miles the recommended services is to replace not only the timing belt, but the serpentine belt, the idler rollers and the water pump. Thankfully the later models come from the factory with a long […]

Discussion follow up: Tire Pressure Monitoring


December 16, 2006

In our local CinciTDI Volkswagen car club, this past week we had a discussion on ‘tire pressure monitoring.’ I’m not sure all of the answers were correct, but found it interesting that Pat Goss of Motorweek had a segment about it in this weeks program. Although I didn’t find the comments as complete as the […]

Desultory - des-uhl-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee

  1. lacking in consistency, constancy, or visible order, disconnected; fitful: desultory conversation.
  2. digressing from or unconnected with the main subject; random: a desultory remark.
My Desultory Blog