RichC | June 16, 2013
Eddie Alterman of Car and Driver talks about his 1983 Mercedes Benz 300D and closes with, “it’s solid, reliable, robust, well made, it’s got a lot of integrity … and I hope that I represent those values.”
RichC | June 14, 2013
Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated (video/audio below). I’ve installed a new AC system (compressor, r/d & expansion valve) in my 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel after a thorough cleaning and proper charge, but occasionally there is a clatter-rattle when at idle. The AC seems to be cooling just fine and I think the […]
RichC | June 8, 2013
Some road trips are more epic than others, and I’m excited to announce that we have a pretty epic one planned. Today, two drivers, Wayne Gerdes and Bob Winger, depart from Volkswagen of America’s Herndon, Virginia headquarters in a 2013 Passat TDI® Clean Diesel. They’ll drive it 8,000 miles and pass through all 48 contiguous […]
RichC | June 1, 2013
If it isn’t one thing, it is another when it comes to an old car in an unknown condition. Thankfully I’m getting to know my new beast and am thoroughly enjoying learning about and repairing some of those “unknowns.” The latest item in the multiple air conditioning components that I’m replacing is the auxiliary fan […]
RichC | 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 […]
RichC | May 26, 2013
One of the tasks on my list this Memorial Day is to evaluate the interior of the new to me 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D turbodiesel. Although for its age the interior is in good condition, it does need both cleaning and some repair. Unfortunately I don’t have the repair skills enabling me to do this […]
RichC | May 25, 2013
I’m looking forward hearing more from owners/drivers of the new Chevrolet Cruze diesel that will be available in the U.S. It will primarily compete with the Volkswagen TDI diesel line when it comes to price, performance and economy … and according to a USAToday article, may beat them at all three. (I’m withholding judgment) The […]
RichC | May 24, 2013
RichC | May 23, 2013
In keeping with a slow once-over on the new to me 1982 Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel, it looked as if the previous oil change was not a diesel specific oil … meaning that it wasn’t designed for the additional soot carrying and lubricating characteristics often associated with compression ignition engines. Along with needing EIGHT quarts […]
RichC | May 21, 2013
Learning, learning, learning. After spending the weekend putting a few things back together on the old Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel, after taking too much off, it is back on the road again with four new rotors, brakes and both bearing and races pressed into the hubs. I’m waiting for a few new AC parts […]
RichC | May 15, 2013
A Motley Fool financial advisory email arrived in my email box this week which caught my eye with a subject line reading “The death of diesel.” While this seems to predict dire news for those of use who are advocates for compression ignition engines, I’ll paraphrase Mark Twain and say that announcement of diesels death […]
RichC | May 12, 2013
EDIT: Still working the bugs out of the WordPress plug-in Postie (missing the text?) when it comes to including images and video via email from my iPhone and iPad. The above is a short test video demonstrating shutting down an idling 1982 Mercedes Benz 300DT 5-cylinder diesel using the manual shutoff under the hood.
RichC | May 8, 2013
I was up late Tuesday night taking apart the well crusted rear brakes on the new to me 31 year old Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel. It was a slower than usual process as the quality brakes were nearly down to metal to metal contact and so will require new rotor/drums as well as hoses and […]
RichC | May 7, 2013
Hmm … it looks like some kind of ancient diesel is parking in my garage? It has been a long time since I’ve looked at one of these beastly relics. (our last was an ‘87 MB 560SEL) The overall condition looks pretty good considering the old Mercedes Benz 300D Turbodiesel is over 30 years old […]
RichC | March 21, 2013
The Swedish automaker Volvo will be showing their new plug-in V60 diesel hybrid at the New York auto show later this month according to reports in the automotive press. This new information may hint that Volvo is considering bringing their pricey new hybrid to the U.S. after all; initially reports suggested it would only be […]
RichC | March 13, 2013
The Volkswagen XL1 sure would be a different kind of car to own and would make stopping for fuel every 700 miles almost a pleasurable even. You could even spurge for “full service” and walk away with change from your ten dollar bill! (click for Autoblog “First Drive story) “The liquid fuel tank of the […]
RichC | March 12, 2013
Seven years ago, it was challenging to find automotive diesel at a car friendly "gas" station here in the U.S., but according to ExxonMobil research, in the next seven years we’ll see diesel use surpass gasoline as the petroleum fuel of choice. (The Outlook For Energy: A View To 2040 – PDF) The efficiency of […]
RichC | March 4, 2013
The 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel has a hill to climb if you are looking to save money on fuel, but with more torque than a hemi, “climbing the hill” is easy! The new Jeep CRD diesel is receiving mostly positive reviews (The Fast Lane Car video above) from car journalists, but at $50,000, a […]
RichC | 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. […]
RichC | February 26, 2013
Not that the Volkswagen UP! is the sleekest looking VW model (image to right), but it may be the model getting the highly efficient 261mpg XL1 diesel-electric hybrid powertrain. According to Autocar.co.uk, the UP! minicar might be the 2-cylinder diesel and electric minicar produced en masse. I know VW enthusiasts would love to see the […]
RichC | February 21, 2013
According to Car and Driver, American VW buyers have a shot at getting the 2014 turbocharged 2.0 liter diesel powered Volkswagen Golf GTD. The new performance model will resemble the gas GTI, but offer a 184 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque diesel. Revs for this performance are incredibly low at not much above an […]
RichC | 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 […]
RichC | February 5, 2013
In the last few weeks gasoline prices have risen 20 – 30 cents per gallon and the extra few dollars were felt when we were in Florida this past week. The small, and cheap feeling, Nissan Versa rental car was at least a little thrifty at the pump – 32 mpg, but it should have […]
RichC | January 29, 2013
One of my favorite automotive sites Autoblog mentioned that the long awaited (2011 post) Chevrolet Cruze diesel will be making an appearance at the Chicago Auto Show as a 2014 model. According to reports it should compete handily in the fuel efficiency area with the Volkswagen Jetta TDI … although I’ll be anxious to see […]
RichC | January 27, 2013
While we wait for the production version of the Mazda 6 Skyactiv diesel sedan to arrive at dealers in the U.S. later this year, Mazda is busy giving 3 of their diesels a workout at the #Rolex24 hours of Daytona race this weekend. Unfortunately they were not overly prepared to race and found all three […]
RichC | January 23, 2013
Volkswagen is showing off a new DSG all wheel drive Diesel Hybrid this year at the 2013 auto shows and getting a fair amount of praise and criticism — it is hard to make everybody happy. Some chastise the hybrid concept and others the unglamorous styling. Others see it as the SUV that they’ve been […]
RichC | January 18, 2013
Although retail unleaded gasoline is down 25 cent per gallon since last year at this time in SW Ohio, we remain just above $3.00/gallon in most areas. (I paid $3.09 and $3.07 this week while traveling in north east Ohio) Since I’m thinking about a new diesel car this year, it is be frustrating to […]
RichC | January 14, 2013
Tell me this is not worth looking at? Mmm, mmm, mmm. The VW CrossBlue concept is Volkswagen’s midsize SUV that is larger than a Tiguan and not as off-road performance oriented as the larger Touareg. The CrossBlue concept has six-seats in three rows and could seat up to seven if they offer an optional bench […]
RichC | January 14, 2013
Jeep officially revealed an updated version of its hot-selling Grand Cherokee this morning at the North America International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich. The high-brow SUV features a number of mechanical enhancements and luxury additions. Of course the biggest news is the inclusion of diesel power. Chrysler is offering a 3.0-liter compression-ignition engine in the […]
RichC | January 14, 2013
Phil LeBeau of CNBC interviewed Jonathan Browning the President and CEO of Volkswagen Group of America and highlighted not only their outstanding 30+ sales growth year in 2012, but the commitment to expanding the TDI diesel line-up in North America. The interview from the floor of the Detroit Auto Show also mentioned the addition of […]
RichC | January 10, 2013
The popular automotive site, Autoblog, wasn’t overly complementary when it came to parting with a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta TDI after a 12 month 20,000 plus mile test drive. This current and slightly larger body style has been widely criticized for its "cheapened" feel and less than European driving characteristics. Autoblog drivers did however say positive […]
RichC | 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 […]
RichC | December 31, 2012
One of the pleasures of life is tinkering with my favorite little diesel car … the Volkswagen TDI. My daughter’s Jetta TDI is “parked” in our driveway this weekend while she is in Iowa meeting her fiancé’s family — parked, cough, cough. With Sunday off, I was able to doing a little “needed” maintenance on […]
RichC | December 8, 2012
My kids roll their eyes when I strike up offhanded conversations with strangers in parking lots, gas stations, etc. Take Friday for instance, I saw a guy get out of his new Passat TDI and glanced over to ask how he liked his new diesel. He grinned and exclaimed, “I’m getting 47 mpg!” which I […]
RichC | December 6, 2012
Jeep is heading back to market again and giving diesel another go in the US. According to WardsAuto, the Grand Cherokee will be available in the first quarter of 2013 and will have to continue to compete in a crowded SUV and car platform CUV market. The 3.0L diesel engine currently being sold in Europe […]
RichC | December 5, 2012
Autoblog posted a full review of the newly unveiled 2013 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible TDI which makes it the first diesel soft top in North America. On top of more aggressive and decidedly more masculine styling, the TDI will also be available with a 6-speed manual gearbox … and in “red” may be just the new […]
RichC | November 20, 2012
Although Honda Civic diesel I commented on will probably remain overseas for the next few years, Audi confirmed that additional diesel models will be added to their U.S. line-up next year (press announcement). 2014 Model Availability A8 TDI Spring 2013 A7 TDI Fall 2013 A6 TDI Fall 2013 Q5 TDI Fall 2013 These new models, […]
RichC | November 8, 2012
If you’re thinking about a new midsize 4 door car … be sure to test drive the new Volkswagen Passat TDI. Our mileage has been pretty remarkable — so far we’re averaging just shy of 46 MPG, with a one-day high of 50.2 MPG (moderate speeds and only a few steep hills to climb) and […]
RichC | November 7, 2012
We’re talking rumors here, but it did come from a slide at a source attending a BMW North America meeting. If you want to see those performance oriented and highly efficient diesel coming to North America, this is good news. 3 Series sedan diesel – first half 2013 3 Series Sport Wagon – second half […]
RichC | November 2, 2012
Oh my … one would think there were limits to just how low someone would go to embarrass both diesel and Corvette lovers with one modified vehicle. Obviously not as they created the CorVegge. The builder converted one of the finest of diesel engines – cough, cough — the Oldsmobile 350 longblock to run on […]
RichC | October 31, 2012
This week I parted with a set of VW TDI A4 injectors that I had been holding back for my daughter’s Volkswagen Jetta 1.9 turbo diesel. A fellow TDIClub member was in need of them so decided to sell them. He is planning to put them in his WVO converted “old” New Beetle (I think […]
RichC | October 1, 2012
A “Hypermiling” friend of mine posted a graph to his forum after driving a 2013 Volkswagen Passat TDI with a 6-speed and the realistic above 50mpg results being returned by this mid-sized car are impressive. I sure wish VW had a TDI 4motion wagon! Click for larger graph Temps were 57 – 59 degrees F […]
RichC | July 14, 2012
Rumors have yet to be confirmed, but believe to be factual, that BMW will be adding a single or twin turbo 4-cylinder to their offering in North America next year. The 2.0L most likely will be offered in the 3-series which currently is available with a 6-cylinder diesel … a nice driving car by the […]
RichC | May 25, 2012
Ever since the debut a few years ago, I’ve thought the rugged looking MB GLK sport utility vehicle has been a nice smaller addition to the Mercedes Benz SUV line up … but it would be been better as a diesel. Next year it looks like the U.S. may get the little 2.1 liter 4-cylinder […]
RichC | May 9, 2012
Thought I would post some impressive VW Passat TDI clean diesel numbers … John and Helen Taylor – Volkswagen calls them "mileage experts" and "the world's most fuel efficient couple" – recently drove a stock 2012 Passat TDI SE all the way from Houston, TX to Sterling, VA without refueling. That's 1,626.1 miles from just 19.3 gallons. […]
RichC | May 1, 2012
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RichC | April 30, 2012
Interesting article with perhaps a slightly bias option … but in an article today Bosch projects that by 2015 one in ten new cars sold in the U.S. will be powered by a diesel engine. … data from CNW Research says that with greater awareness of new clean diesels, and a lower cost premium for […]
RichC | April 19, 2012
TDI diesels from Volkswagen are the only mid priced diesels available, so it is no wonder VW has 58% of all diesel sales in the U.S. As the new Passat TDIs become more available, expect their sales to nip away at the Jetta TDI dominance. Allen Schaeffer, DTF’s executive director, said in a statement that, […]
RichC | April 12, 2012
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to rent a diesel car at car rental companies … never have been successful. Occasionally I’ll rent a hybrid (Prius) or a Volkswagen Jetta (gasser), but haven’t been able to find a TDI. Hopefully we’ll see a few more airport locations offer the TDI at a […]
RichC | April 11, 2012
A: I’d say bring it to the U.S. please … it would definitely attract my attention. According to a post over at Autoblog, Mazda expected to sell just 1,000 CX-5s a month in Japan, but it instead sold 8 times that number – 8,000 in February – and over 70% of them were diesel (and […]
RichC | March 28, 2012
I’ve sort of wondered just what kind of push GM was going to make in order to start moving their Chevrolet Volts … not that I’m looking. I suspect one of the reasons the cars are not selling well is that they are price way too high for an “experimental” car … who really knows […]
RichC | March 22, 2012
According to Volkswagen (WSJ), the demand for their new American built Passat is showing steady improvement and therefore they’ll will be adding a 3rd shift and 800 new jobs in their Chattanooga Tennessee plant. I’ve commented on the new diesel version Passat previously and found it an excellent mid-sized sedan; with the current high oil […]
RichC | February 19, 2012
There must be a reason automakers are not pairing hybrids or plug-in electric vehicles with diesel engines … for the life of me I can’t figure it out. The coupling on paper seems to be a perfect combination … especially for a company like e GM with the “Volt” type of EV/Hybrid technology. Volkswagen will […]
RichC | February 14, 2012
For years automotive postulaters have envisioned a car being charged by embedded coils in the highway, but a comment in an article attributed to one researcher at Stanford sounds a little far fetched … maybe even stretching the laws of physics? Stanford researchers say they can develop what’s essentially an electric highway that one of […]
RichC | February 9, 2012
The expected Volkswagen Beetle TDI made its appearance at the Chicago Auto Show Wednesday all squished down and sporty looking. It is to be offered as a 2013 model and will have the 2.0 liter diesel. The new model will be offered with the manual six-speed transmission or the VW six-speed DSG automatic and will […]
RichC | January 26, 2012
Hey BMW … how about bringing those all-wheel drive tri-turbo M diesels over to the U.S. BMW’s M Division may have started out with a raspy, fighty little petrol 3 Series, but today it stands for something more. Much more. Say hello to the birth of the 3.0-litre triple-turbo straight six diesel M car. BMW […]