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Why? Is this life just trying to prove to me that diesels suck in winter? Wife has totally abandoned using it and took the 4.0 again, said something about heated wheel and sub 5 minute heat lol!
I'm now awake because of that so TIME FOR SCIENCE.
I'm satisfied with this, worst case scenario it will start on the first try if starter is held on a 45% SOC battery. Lifters didn't quiet down for about 35 seconds though so I did feel a little bad. Didn't die though, ALH can take it.
This is the first car that cold test has been to see if it works at all, normally I just like to see if the engine tone/start behavior is unchanged. The diesel did change in engine tone and had a notable tap from the top end, no doubt from lack of oil flowing. Probably way worse for it than I'm admiring because I could hear it over the clattering racket.
Last year I tried out the 4.0 after the stage 4 build and my Silver W12 in -8* weather, it was the most pointless test on the second one because it didn't even adjust cranking duration or high idle time.
Recharging the Jetta so it won't actually have an issue from the short start
Last edited by Striker223; Dec 15, 2025 at 04:10 AM.
Totally agree, dumb move.
They need to redeem themselves.
On a side note i have realized early on that venues like that, encourage used car adm syndrome. Alot of these rides have terrible carfax histories and still command as much or more as a clean ride. Some even come after spending time at website owners garage lol
buy here pay here lot behavior or early ebay motors style environment but for the new age lol.
Last edited by Framestead; Dec 16, 2025 at 06:30 AM.
Just an update on the Katiba. I continue to be really impressed at its ability to reject dirt and dust. This has been driven for 2 weeks on the nasty roads, driven to Baltimore and back while they were brining the roads, and driven to Frederick and back. Its amazing how clean it is. This was last night.
Thanks for recommending, Steve. It does look like it does well with dirt. It rained a little bit the other day. I was hoping to not see any water marks but I guess that is not realistic.
Originally Posted by tinmanwpk
Just don't be in a hurry to get their products. It took me a couple of weeks to get my order. It just came this past Saturday.
It's on Amazon too. I ordered and it came the next day I think.
EDIT: got it fixed and the spare tire sensor relearned. Stupid error. Car still drives very nicely but man I've been ruined by high torque engines, it feels very gutless vs expectation.
Last edited by Striker223; Dec 16, 2025 at 02:07 PM.
