Newby Needs Help - IDI Engine - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

Newby Needs Help by Emerald Energy on 07 Sep, 2009 19:24
I recently purchased a 1991 Jetta w/a 1.6 TD. I'm wanting to know if someone can tell me if it's a ECODiesel or not. The only numbers I can find cast into the block are 068403021 AN and 14 2 91 and R12. They are on one side and the other side of the block only has 1.6D Germany. I'm used to Chevy 350's and these are totaly new to me. Thanks
#1 by Rabbit on Roids on 07 Sep, 2009 19:26
take a pic of the engine, we will tell you what it is. and just so you know, the model info is found right under the center oil drain on the front of the head, and slightly to the right. basically right behind all the injector lines where its a real biotch to see, and usually its covered in grime.
#2 by Baron VonZeppelin on 07 Sep, 2009 22:01
I can tell you some things to check.
But keep in mind, things can get swapped/changed around.
And these are "box-stock" equipments i'm referring to.

If it has MPH as primary measurement on speedo - it is ECO.
No TD offered in USA after 87. But Eco was offered in USA in 91 and 92.
Canada got TD all the way through mk2 run.
If it has Kilometer as primary measurement - its Canadian, and Canada never sold the Eco. So it would be TD.

But either way - the speedo could have been swapped by now, so anyway.

The Eco came with a catalytic convertor, and either underhood or in driver door jamb (or both) it will say catalyst equipped on a decal. TD will not have that. It may even say Non-Catalyst on a TD if it has a decal.

An Eco will not have an LDA fuel enrichment aneroid on the top of Injection Pump. TD will have this aneroid. It looks like a small flying saucer from the 1950's era.

Usually on the radiator support there is a tuning sticker and it will say it conforms to USA standards - or Canada standards. That would be a good clue.

All these things could be added or deleted by previous owners as parts get swapped or repairs made.

There are other items too, but not as easily checked.

The block code really is the final verdict, along with the transmission code.
Both these codes are STAMPED, not cast.

As Rabbit stated, the block code is stamped into the block, front side, just below the head mating area, on a machined flat tab, between #3 and #4 cylinders. The water outlet flange, hoses and injector lines make it really fun to access.

1V is the Eco code.
MF is the TD code.
The block code are the first stamped characters to the left side of that tab. The following numbers on the tab are the engine unit number.

On the bottom of the bellhousing, the tranny code will be stamped.
AVX = Eco
The TD could have had a couple diffrnt codes in that timeframe - i think.
But the AVX code is Eco Only.
#3 by Emerald Energy on 07 Sep, 2009 22:08
Thanks guys. I'll take a closer look in the morning.
#4 by Emerald Energy on 08 Sep, 2009 23:35
Ok I have a Eco Diesel. Now I need to find an owners manual. Does anyone have a spare one?
#5 by Baron VonZeppelin on 09 Sep, 2009 13:42
Put a request in on the For Sale/Wanted section about owners manual.
I have a 92 version if you need some particular info.
Also check given info on this site:

http://www.a2resource.com/

The ECO is a wild little car in certain respects.
They are geared more for suburbia type driving/commuting.
And pizza delivery (just kidding - sort of).

Not the best gearing for Highway use, but not the worst either.
Ring and pinion is 4.25, but they have a good 5th gear that brings it in around 3.25 zone if my memory serves.

So over 60-65 mph it might start feeling buzzed a bit.
Back then i believe most states still observed the 55mph mandate (foggy-but think thats right). 185/80/13's will help a bit too. or closest you can find to that.

I wouldn't pass one up in the right shape at right price by any means.
They are great cars to add a TD Inj Pump on to later. And gut the cat vertor.

Enjoy your car and take care of its maintenance properly and you'll repay yourself in MPG and still have plenty of car left.