no start! help please.

[foh_doh_mk1]

OK. i have had a few mk1 diesels. including a tan 79 four door.

So i picked up the tan 4 door, without a motor. then purchased a rebuilt head and used a running block i had laying around.

It started and ran, but never very well. it had virtually NO power compared to the other diesels, so then i limped it about 10 miles to my uncles garage, and i left it. Weeks later i started it to move it, and it took about 10 cranks, and ran worse that before. I parked it, and left it. again, weeks later, another, HARDER start. And now, it wont start.

SO, i was thinking i cooked the head. But this entire time, i wasnt seeing any oiling, or cooling issues. so i kind of threw that theory out the window. I have fuel, and my glow plugs and fuse are brand new. the next thing i can think of is a compression test. (cant remember what the ballpark number is)

ANY help would be appreciated.

[maxfax]

Compression check may not be a bad idea..   But I'd also do some thorough checks for air leaks in the fuel lines, and that it is getting adequate fuel to the pump..  CHeck to verify that you are indeed getting 12 volts to the glow plugs, did you replaced these, or verify the ones installed worked??   How's the timing on it??    Is the pump tight that it didn't move (done that one once or twice)..

Ideal compression would be 400 psi and up..  I think the VW spec is like 493psi and the wear limit is 400..  You can get along okay from 350 - 400..   SOme have gotten away clear down to 250...

[foh_doh_mk1]

Compression check may not be a bad idea..   But I'd also do some thorough checks for air leaks in the fuel lines, and that it is getting adequate fuel to the pump..  CHeck to verify that you are indeed getting 12 volts to the glow plugs, did you replaced these, or verify the ones installed worked??   How's the timing on it??    Is the pump tight that it didn't move (done that one once or twice)..

Ideal compression would be 400 psi and up..  I think the VW spec is like 493psi and the wear limit is 400..  You can get along okay from 350 - 400..   SOme have gotten away clear down to 250...

I havent checked plug voltage, but they are new. And how would i check for air, when i dont have clear fuel lines?
I have not checked timing since i put everything together.

I actually changed the pump after i installed the 1st one, so i am definitely going to look at that. Is it possible to get the pump 180* out?

[maxfax]

IF you don;t have the clear line, you could try connecting a container of fuel to the pump and see how it runs...  That woudl eliminate any issues with the tank and lines...

You can get the pump 180 out, but they generally won;t start that way..

[foh_doh_mk1]

alright
ill see what i can do

thanks