The Problem with Direct Injection – Coked Up Valves What is Direct Injection? Direct injection technology has changed the way fuel efficiency is achieved, and it’s a method Volkswagen has wholeheartedly embraced in a bunch of their vehicles. They were introduced into the VW lineup beginning in the early 2000’s with the Jetta, Golf, and Audi A4. Now, direct injection is commonplace. You can tell which vehicle has direction with the acronym after the name – GDI, TFSI, FSI, and TSI are all varieties of direct injection. Direct injection means exactly that: the fuel is injected directly into the combustion chamber. It’s unlike other fuel injection styles that spray fuel in the intake to mix with air BEFORE entering the cylinders. That achieves better power production and improved fuel efficiency, all because more air can flow into the engine’s cylinders. Drawbacks of DI There’s a drawback to direct injection, though. In a typical fuel injection ... read more

Common Valve Cover Gasket Leaks If you drive a VW Passat, Golf, Jetta, or GTi, you’ve probably asked one question at some time or another: “Why is my valve cover gasket leaking AGAIN?!?” It’s little consolation, but you’re not the only one, my friend. Your VW may have the 1.8-liter turbo engine or the 2.0-liter motor. You might even have the 3.0-liter V6. Engine size doesn’t really seem to matter much here. You might start seeing an oil drip from the backside of your engine when you’re underneath changing the oil. You might notice a burnt oil smell or wisps of smoke from the engine compartment. And, on closer inspection, you’ll trace it to the back of your cylinder head right at the top. Whether it’s never been replaced, it was replaced a few years back, or just a few months ago doesn’t factor in much either. It’s frustrating why it occurs so regularly.  Valve cover gaskets are contructed of rubber or cork.  ... read more