My First VW 85 Golf

[Loujitsu82]

Hey all,

 I have been lurking in the forum for a while now and figured I'd make my 1st post.

I have recently found  a 85 Golf NA diesel with 130k mi,  a near perfect body, no rust and a pretty clean Interior. It has been in a small accident in the front which has been repaired(Hood, grill etc has been replaced.)
The previous owner said he was driving it when all of a sudden it started making a helicopter noise and died within the next 20 feet. When I was checking out the car I noticed the oil was so low it didn't register on the dipstick. I offered him $300, he accepted my offer. I pick it up this weekend and cant wait to tear into it!

My questions are:

Is it possible that this bottom end can be saved if it spun a bearing, etc?  
Is there anything out of the ordinary to watch out for with the IP timing etc during disassembly? I'm not sure I can wait until my Bentley manual arrives to start taking it apart. I have moderate mechanic experience with american cars and japanese motorcycles. Thanks

-Louis

[Duster 5.9]

this is what may have happened. first drain the oil to see if there is any in it. secondly check the timing belt cause what you describe makes me think a timing belt which caused the pistons to contact the valves. thirdly wait for the bently. go through the timing process (if the belt didn't snap)to familiarize yourself with pump timing. it will make it way easier and understanduble later if you tear it all apart.

[Duster 5.9]

oh ya and welcome to the world of VW"S there are alot of great people on this board.

[arb]

If it ran dry, it is possible the engine is still salvageable. I had a NA IDI run dry once right after an oil change (Mobley 1 as always) but I used a cheap filter that ruptured. I was in rush hour traffic so I could not see the idiot light in the few seconds it ran before it stopped. 45 minutes later, a new filter and new oil, it was no longer locked and I restarted and drove another 50k miles or so before the body gave out.

Get the Bentley and follow the timing procedure. If you want to rebuild, its an easy engine once you get used to the VW way on some things  In any event, replace that timing belt and tensioning pulley as you have no way to know when it was last done. Some belts have really short life's - some here have said 50K miles for the cheap ones. Get quality and you'll be looking at 80K - 100K. IMO.

[myke_w]

also, if the timing belt is intact, try turning the motor over by hand. If it doesn't turn over chances are it wiped out a journal (as I'm sure you know).

If that's the case, you might be able to get away with a crank and bearings.

You also should yank the cam and inspect the journals to be safe.

It's very unlikely the block was damaged, I've very rarely seen spun bearings, generally they just overheat and scar the hell out of the journal.

[Loujitsu82]

Thanks all!

Ill update my post when I bring her home.

[Loujitsu82]

Here she is before I picked her up. I took it home today and cleaned, degreased engine bay, prep for inspection etc. Tomorrow I will remove oil pan and timing cover.[/img]

[Duster 5.9]

looks good

[Loujitsu82]

Timing belt is in tact.   #2 intake and exhaust cam followers are frozen/chewed into the head. After removing the cam I could rotate the crankshaft almost all the way around then it would stop. Bent valve or broken piston...I got to get the triple square bit for the head bolts before I can proceed as well as locate another head.

[Loujitsu82]

also, if the timing belt is intact, try turning the motor over by hand. If it doesn't turn over chances are it wiped out a journal (as I'm sure you know).

If that's the case, you might be able to get away with a crank and bearings.

You also should yank the cam and inspect the journals to be safe.

It's very unlikely the block was damaged, I've very rarely seen spun bearings, generally they just overheat and scar the hell out of the journal.

Found a set of triple square bits @ autoparts store. Rod bearing spun, busted rod cap off. The crank then tagged the detatched connecting rod and bent the $#!* out of it. Rod journal on crank is jacked, Gonna have to grind the crank. Ill post pics when I can. Gonna PM Myke for parts...

[arb]

Bummer Dude. The owner must not have believed in oil changes. At 130K miles, that engine should have just broken-in and ready to carry you 2 -3x that w/o issue.

I'd love to find a treasure like that just waiting for me ;-)

[Loujitsu82]

Ok so I found a 1.6 n/a from Germany w/ 80,100 Mi. Drove 200 mi to pick her up, found out it has a new head installed(german casting!) Cant wait to get it in.  

[Vincent Waldon]

Of course you realize you shoulda picked up the Beetle as well !!  :wink:

Good luck with your build.


Vince

[Loujitsu82]

Of course you realize you shoulda picked up the Beetle as well !!  :wink:

Good luck with your build.


Vince

Lol yeah, I already have too many cars though. '02 Camaro z28, '92 K1500, and now 85 Golf Diesel, Its looking a bit like a used car lot around here.

A couple years ago my dad picked up a 1988 Nissan Patrol which was imported from germany very clean with the 2.8 turbo diesel. It gets to park in the garage. lol

Thanks Vince