Anyone buy parts or tools from http://www.dieselvw.com/

[homerj1]

Hello,

 As the post suggests, I'm looking for input on the quality of the  parts\tools from this site. I realize the same vendor is also on Ebay as Prothe.

The part prices are pretty cheap compared others, and I'm not sure if this is reflective of the quality I can expect?
I was looking at the timing belt stuff, piston rings and timing tools - mostly the dial gauge and adapter.

Thanks

A. Berzins

btw: I would be interested in other sources for the dial gauge and adapter tool? Anyone have a used one to sell?

[zukgod1]

He's known on here as Prothe as well

The tools are of Ok quality, I've bought allot of stuff from Pete he has been very good to me.

I would recommend his stuff as will others here I believe..

[Luckypabst]

I found out that the real Bosch injector pump kits can be had for less from one of the various Bosch shops. But his kit looked like just about a dead ringer for the Bosch kit. I did notice that the two advance cover O-rings were smaller OD than the recess they fit but have sealed with no issue. You should be happy with the VE pump kit but it can be priced for a bit less (DG 121 was $14 at the shop I called in Fresno).

His K14 turbo kit was priced lower than the kit from KKK by about half. The snap rings did not fit, the shaft nut was of the wrong orientation (LH vs. RH threads) and the compressor backing plate screws were of considerably lower quality than OEM. Otherwise the bearings appear to be of acceptable quality (accuracy unkown but finish was nice). My turbo has not blown up yet but I will probably end up carrying a spare.

Both of these kits are probably chinese manufacture.

His timing tool set is OK for the backyard mechanic. The pump sprocket pin was too short and required grinding the knurl to fit deep enough to engage the hole in the pump mount surface. Parts Place has a nice lock pin for $10 that's considerably longer and has a nice cadmium finish.

I bought a used IP sprocket from him off ebay and it was damaged during removal and effectively broken. I expected far more from an "expert" like him plus he was not accomodating in the least bit for return shipping. Paypal was kind enough to offer a "courtesy credit" to send back the item that never should have been put in the mail in the first place.

I will not do business with Peter Rothenbacher again.

Chris

[riddleyo]

I've bought a timing kit and injectors from him. Everything is holding up good right now, and the timing kit's price couldn't be beat. The tools worked like a charm. The dial gauge can be a little bit finicky sometimes, but it still works. The injectors are not leaking and looked really nice.

His prices are really good and I have no complaints.

[rallydiesel]

If you want parts that will do the job at low prices than he offers an excellent service. I have bought parts from him and will again. I wouldn't use the parts he sells if I was building a high performance engine but they're great for the diesel backyard hobbyist.

[theman53]

I bought an injection pump and some pistons from him neither of which are in yet :oops: I don't see anything wrong with anything that he has had done for me and will probably be buying some of the door handle trunk lid stuff as my jetta I am working on is needing some attention badly. I am sure with these forums that no one can afford to do bad business too often or there won't be too much business let to have. I imagine that you can have a bad experience with anyone but I wouldn't hesitate to buy off of prothe again. Some people make their own tools, I bought my IP timing stuff but probably would have made them now that I know what I would have to make, here is a link to some of the homemade remedies, some may be useful to you.
http://www.vwdieselparts.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=771&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0&sid=3a7ad05633d783e5a92666d6e10cd919

[Dakotakid]

I have less than 1000 miles on a set of his $189 1.6 pistons in an N/A engine. They are really breaking in well with no problems.....good power, no oil consumption.  These pistons have a nice appearance and coating. They seem to be above a Cofap piston. But, time will tell. The necessary clearance requirements are stamped on the tops....no paperwork came with them. But, the info was there.

[homerj1]

Once again, thank you for all your input!

Aivars

[ODwyerPW]

Man, you guys have provided some really helpful feedback.  So nice to see questions answered so thoughtfully.  This really is a nice forum.