# VW beetle 2003 tdi compression leak

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-beetle-2003-tdi-compression-leak/60554>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** selling, beetle, diesel, volkswagen, leaks\
**Created:** [January 28, 2011, 2:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-beetle-2003-tdi-compression-leak/60554 "2011-01-28T02:53:35Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![shirleyh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbce88/32.png) [@shirleyh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/shirleyh)\
**Post date:** [January 28, 2011, 2:53am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-beetle-2003-tdi-compression-leak/60554/1 "2011-01-28T02:53:35Z")

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I purchased a 2003 VW Beetle Diesel and have compression leaking from the valve cover around the number 1 cylinder. It does not run or will barely run. Is this a common problem and what could cause this. i haven’t tried anything yet.

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**Author:** ![mleich](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/71c47a/32.png) [@mleich](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mleich)\
**Post date:** [January 28, 2011, 3:00am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-beetle-2003-tdi-compression-leak/60554/2 "2011-01-28T03:00:20Z")

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I assume the “check engine” light is on? Cylinder compression does not leak from the valve cover. Unfortunately it can only leak from a valve (if you are lucky) or from a piston ring. Either way, it can mean major engine work or a new engine is needed.  
If you recently purchased it, I hope you have a warranty of some kind.

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**Author:** ![Caddyman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/caddyman/32/23_2.png) [@Caddyman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Caddyman)\
**Post date:** [January 28, 2011, 4:06am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/vw-beetle-2003-tdi-compression-leak/60554/3 "2011-01-28T04:06:40Z")

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Number of miles on car??