jetta help

anyone have 98 jetta k2 with the 2.slow like me?
it has 83000 on it and it sounds like a diesel now.
and my gas mileage is going to hell used to get 300 miles a tank and now getting around 250 a tank.
could it be the timeing belt? or are the rockers out of adjustment?
I would like to make it last until winter is over then get a GTI.

Is the check engine light on? Do you know the maintenance history?

no the light isn't on, and since I have owned it, I do all the oil changes and stuff myself. I bought it with 32000 on it, now it has 83000.
just wondering on the timingbelt since this is my first vehical with one,
didn't know if there is a mileage time to change? or if the lifters are out of adjustment. any ideas?

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I have a 99 Jetta with about 90k, and recently noticed a major change in power, especially when starting from stop and when going up hills... Gas mileage has gone way down, I'm lucky if I get 250 miles per tank when I used to get well over 300.

Anyway, I took it into the shop today and they are looking at the timing belt. I will try to remember to post what I find out later today.

thanx I still have to get mine in to VW. please let me know what they find.

I wouldn't think it would be your timing belt because if it was it would not run or it would miss badly. Sounds like your rockerarms could need adjustment. I am not familiar with VWs, yet, but my old toyota was doing the same thing. Adjusted the rockers and ran and sounded great. Also, if it is real low on oil you will here it ticking more.

Possible a clogged catalytic convertor, that causes a major loss of power. Valves rarely need ajusted.

thats what I was thinking to it sounds like its rockers are chattering.
but it does have 82000 on the timeing belt.
I figure replace the belt and have them adjust the rockers.