Tandem pump leak?

[Pedroloco]

Hi folks, new here and have seen similar issues but I thinkmine is a little different

Basically, started seeing rainbow pools around my car afterwet weather. On investigation at the garage they said the vacuum pump isleaking oil.

On researching it seems that it could be oil from the camshaft drive on the tandem pump or potentially diesel. I think it could be dieselas my mpg has dropped a bit since before xmas (when I saw the leak also) from48 to 42 (I know cold weather also contributes, but by this much?)

So first I really want to confirm it is the tandem pump(pics above). If it is, do I need a whole new unit or just the gasket?

Any help and comments be great, as allot of you are more ofaywith these beasts than me. Cheers

FYI it’s a saloon 2002 1.9 TDI 130 bhp.

 

[Chrismawa]

Hmm i wonder if I have the same problem. We've had lot of wet weather and I've noticed black marks on my drive. My oil level is fine but i don't think my MPG is as good as it could or should be.

 

[mattyb6]

To test your pump
Park facing up a hill after a few hours if your car won't start your pump is loosing pressure.

I always park facing down hill to avoid this

 

[Pedroloco]

That's a fair shout, will tell me if it's just a gasket or something with the pump.

Checked the Haynes Manuel and seems pretty easy to remove and inspect the tandem pump.

 

[mattyb6]

Seals tend to perish on them over time
Mine has 178k on it and it's only started on the last few thousand.

Seals can be bought from darkside developments at about £15

 

[Pedroloco]

Nice one, hopefully it's that cheap.

But I suppose if the hill start doesn't work then maybe the whole pump is defunct

 

[Pedroloco]

Did the hill start test yesterday and it was fine, so hopefully just the gasket touch wood.

Had a look at how to access the tandem pump and the air manifold needs to be removed. I cna get the clips off but the electrical pump seems impossible.

Anyone have any idea or know here these is abit of a guide to his job (Haynes seems abit vague)?

 

[mattyb6]

I'm sure I googled the removal and it's seems fairly easy mate.

As for the hill start that's good news and the seals could just be starting to wear.
So at least you have time to get it sorted.

I'm sure you only have to remove the rear boost pipe and a fuel line to get access though maybe the rocker cover too.

 

[Pedroloco]

Quick update - bit the bullet and ordered an new Tandem pump for £280 and got a mate that works at a Audi specialist to fit in 30 mins!

Worked like a treat, only issue is the fuel leaked onto coolant pipe underneath and that has started to perish so will need to get that sorted when service is due. Is this just a breather pipe though (i.e. no drama if leaks)?

 

[mattyb6]

I think it's a water pipe as the temp sender is below it.
Just wipe it clean, then apply a waxy type cleaner to it, and it should prevent it perishing sooner

 

[glenandem]

if its the pipe i replaced in mine pal, it runs round the back underneath the tandem and then down the ns between the fuel filter and head and its a coolant pipe, they quite easy to replace and i think it was only about £12 from vw.

 

[Pedroloco]

if its the pipe i replaced in mine pal, it runs round the back underneath the tandem and then down the ns between the fuel filter and head and its a coolant pipe, they quite easy to replace and i think it was only about £12 from vw.

Spot on! Cheers for the heads up.

Any idea on the part number?