Buying advice
QI am currently considering buying a Skoda Fabia MKI diesel estate as a family workhorse. As I understand it, the SDI engine isn’t too far advanced from the old Peugeots and Citroëns that used to be part of the family fleet. However, it is the PD TDI that I would like to know more about – specifically what can go wrong with the 1.9 versions. What are the tell-tale signs of serious issues that one should look for when viewing and test-driving a potential purchase? Also, how fussy are these earlier PD engines regarding fuel quality? Will they run on biodiesel or a 50/50 mix of bio and road diesel?
William Bamber
I believe the PD engine would run quite happily on biodiesel as the pressure for injection is supplied from within the injector unit and not from a highly sensitive pump. However, the problem with using biodiesel is the diesel particulate filter (DPF). The DPF regeneration system uses fuel injected in the exhaust stroke to assist with regeneration. This method often leaves some fuel in the cylinder, which then runs down into the sump, diluting the oil. Biodiesel is denser and does not vaporise as easily as regular fuel, meaning the unburned fuel ending up in the sump will be greater. This will mean making regular checks of the engine oil level.
I have worked on PD engines which have happily achieved more than 300,000 miles and the only problems I have occasionally come across are failure of the camshaft operating the injector, as well as failure of the injector seals for the fuel chamber in the cylinder-head and failure of the wiring loom in the cylinder-head.
The worn camshaft can often be detected initially as a slight misfire. Even after removing the cam cover, it is not always easy to see the worn cam lobe and often the rocker shaft needs to be removed to get a good view. When the injector to fuel gallery seals fail, this results in a slower start-up. Accompanied by a cloud of white smoke which soon clears. Failure of the injector loom in the cylinder-head will result in a misfire.
In conclusion, you should listen for any uneven running or light tapping from the engine, as well as the engine oil and coolant levels, the quality of the oil and coolant, and any service history. I would also check www.gov.uk/check-mot-history to verify the mileage and ensure there are no lingering MOT advisories.