2009 3.0tdi lumpy idle.

[Mechcanico Lee]

Mmmm couple of things come to mind

1 If its exhaust valve sticking due to carbon deposits up the stem of the valve this could be treated chemically , you need someone with a BG flushing machine or similar .
You use chemical to treat the inlet system via a 'fogging nozzle ' which inturn will clean the combustion area and on the valve overlap period it will be able to work at the valve stems ...... definatly worth a go , they rattle like a good un running on the stuff but it can work wonders for carbon cleaning

If its a burnt valve ......yes head off only will fix that .

2 Is this engine on hydraulic followers or hydraulic buckets .... Burnybubbles will know about this
If it is on hydraulic followers the relief valve in the bucket/follower can gum up and stick closed so it cannot reliieve its self and in some cases it lift the valve off its seat causing loss of compression .

With this fault get two of the Forte hydraulic additive chemicals , do an oil and filter change first and put the additives in with the new oil .......had great results with this stuff especially with hydraulic issues where you get the clack clack noise from them .