Genuine Bosch Injectors and Salty Roads

I finally managed to get my hands on four original Bosch 0261500037 injectors in near-perfect condition. Based on the inscription date, they’re from 2012—only missing the VW/Audi logo. We suspect it might be because they were surplus units never officially stamped for OEM distribution, but either way, they’re genuine Bosch quality and a solid upgrade. The old injectors were dated 2009, which is a bit odd for a 2012 model, but maybe the factory used leftover stock. Even though the new injectors included O-rings, I swapped in the fresher ones I bought a few months back during the engine service.

I haven’t actually installed these injectors yet, because I discovered a new problem with the manifold. The previous owners somehow stripped the threads where the throttle body attaches, causing it to sit loosely. Until I fix or replace the manifold, there’s no point in fitting the new injectors. Small hiccups like this aren’t surprising, given how much questionable work has been done on this car.

While working on the engine, I also discovered a small vacuum leak. A few months ago, I replaced the PCV with the “N” revision, which is supposed to solve lean idle issues—some people suspect the “P” revision can be problematic. Initially, I thought I’d made the right choice, but ever since installing the new PCV, the car has been idling strangely. I’m not sure if the PCV is actually faulty or if the loose throttle body (with its stripped manifold threads) is to blame. Until I fix or replace the manifold, I won’t know for certain.

Living in Norway means dealing with a barrage of salt on icy roads, which wreaks havoc on the car’s underside and wiring. I’ve been power washing with hot water (about 40°C) to flush away the salt and grime. Tectyl is another option for protecting the underbody, applied roughly every 2–3 years. I haven’t taken that step yet, but I’m seriously considering it soon. Ideally, you’d sandblast any existing rust first, so the Tectyl adheres directly to clean metal.

Outside of engine work, I’m still hunting for the original Edition 35 side badges. A Swiss Volkswagen shop claims they can order them from the factory, and if that comes through, I’ll finally have the authentic look I’ve been after. Otherwise, I may need to commission replicas and do my best to match the OEM chrome finish.

While the intake manifold was off, I took a peek at the valves. We cleaned them a few months ago, and with about 3,000 to 4,000 km driven since then, there’s hardly any new buildup—one less thing to worry about. Now, if I can just fix the loose throttle body and get these injectors in, I’ll be one step closer to a fully restored—and properly protected—Edition 35 GTI.

edition35.com

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