1984 vw jetta diesel garaged since 1999

[flood]

First i want to say Hello to everyone. I just joined this forum and I have never owned a diesel vehicle. My question is: my german father in law is giving me his 1984 vw jetta diesel that has been covered in his garage since he retired in 1999. I have wanted a used german diesel for a few years now and im very excited. He said the battery is dead and it will not start. So i know it needs a battery. I am gonna assume that all the fluids are junk and will need replace. Do i have to remove and drain fuel tank? replace valve springs? Belts and hoses? My FIL told me before he parked the car he replaced the clutch and had a brake job done. I really want to drive this car back and forth to work, and im willing to invest a little $$$ to get it running good, but at the same time i dont want to drop my left arm into the old vw. I appreciate any suggestions. Thanks Flood.

[flood]

Ps. The Fil said the car ran like a top when he parked it. So it had zero mechanical issues. Thanks again, Flood.

[theman53]

Me personally...
I would replace the timing belt, tensioner, change the oil, and get a battery. Then I would drive it and let it tell me what needs done. That long it may need tires if they are dry rotted. The timing belt is not done easily. I would read up if you attempt it. If you are off on the timing much it will destroy the head and possibly the engine. That is whay I would replace the belt as if it breaks it is a bad day. I would think most places would do it for around 100.00

[flood]

Thanks theman53,I have a couple more questions....do I need to put an ounce of atf in each cylinder and let it sit overnight before turning the engine over by hand? do I need to remove the fuel tank and send it out to get the rust and *** boiled out of it? do I need to run any diesel line cleaning crap? I will replace the battery, filters, change the fluids and tires for sure and any hoses/belts that look iffy, and I will for sure change the timing belt and tensioner like you said. I live 130 miles from where the car is parked and I don't want to break down on the way home. thanks again! Flood.

[Syncroincity]

The fuel tank condition will depend on how much fuel was left in it... it it was full when parked, you should have no problems. Diesel does not evaporate like gas, although you will probably want to at least drain the tank and put in some some fresh fuel.

ATF shouldn't be necessary... besides it's hard to get access to the cylinder. Don't remove any injectors unless you have new heat shields (they are thick washers sandwiched between the head and injectors) on hand, they are one-time use and must be replaced.

One of the best steps you could take before attempting start-up is to remove the vacuum pump from the block, and spin the oil pump for a while to re-lube the bearings and cylinders, 'cause they're going to be bone dry. Pull the vac pump out and you'll see the oil pump drive, it sort of looks like a large screwdriver blade sticking up. You can use a 13mm socket to drive it, use a drill to spin it for a few minutes, this will pre-lube the engine.

I'd also pump in some new brake fluid before driving it.

Post some pictures when you get them! Don't see early Jettas too much any more.

[flood]

Thanks Syncroincity! thanks again for the advice, I will do exactly as you and theman53 have advised. and I promise I will post pics. The In laws are still searching for the title, and Im thinking I'll be able to get the car in around a month. I am super excited to get this diesel! I really appreciate the advice guys! flood.

[bajacalal]

Some other words of advice, the first ones are good and I have started many long neglected motors:

Fuel and other hoses will probably be cracking and will need to be replaced.
The fuel filter will probably need replaced once that crap which has been sitting for 11 years (wait, 1999 was 11 years ago?!) circulates through.

The first two items aren't too critical since it seems you have time to mess around with the car and figure out what it needs and what it doesn't before driving it but the next one is often overlooked and I think it's important:

HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER READY! Preferably one that doesn't spray the corrosive dry chemical stuff everywhere. Also check for mice getting into the airbox, intake, manifold and anywhere else really, I have had mice make a nest in my airbox after I parked the car for a week!

[Baron VonZeppelin]

Welcome to the forum, and congrats on the 84.

Draining fuel tank, coolant, and brake fluid flush is all real wise.
Priming oil pump after fresh refill with 13mm on a drill (clockwise) is best #1 thing you can do for it. Buy diesel-rated oil like Rotella.

I would run strait water and leave thermostat out for the trip home, and reflush again afterwards before putting in good coolant and new t-stat.

Check the rear wheel bearings and make sure the grease hasn't hardened. Wouldn't hurt to just plan on repacking them regardless.

You'll need a MightyVac or vacuum/siphoning device to reprime the fuel system. Or it will take forever to get it primed/cranked.
A motor boat squeeze bulb primer can work on a budget.

You'll need a 17mm allen head (or make a tool from a 17mm headed bolt with 2 nuts locked together) to check the tranny lube level.

Doing the timing belt is absolutely a completely different ballgame from doing one on a gasser. Don't take it lightly, and don't risk chancing by not getting a new belt/tensioner on it.

It can be rocket science for some, but its not really complicated after you grasp the fine points and have the right tools. The right tools are $80 shipped and takes about 2 weeks for arrival from Germany.

If you find a qualified source to do the timing belt right, for $100, they are a very very good friend. Average shop will charge about $400-500 including parts. Parts are about $50 including a new valve cover gasket - if you DIY.

And finally - use a lubricating fuel additive like PowerService DieselKleen - or one or two quarts of ATF per tankful of fuel. Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel fuel has been introduced since that car was parked. If you don't use a lubricating additive - expect the seals in the injection pump to start leaking very soon. And they might still do it anyway - but i'd use preventive measures and hope for best.

Best wishes on a safe and easy trip home. 

[theman53]

Everytime I have ran a VW without a T stat they over heat. Maybe others have had luck, but when I do it it seems it doesn't pull the heat out of the engine. Good luck.

[Baron VonZeppelin]

I've only ran 2 VW Dzls w/o a t-stat. Neither presented overheating, but cars can be peculiar. No doubt.

Another option would be to leave t-stat out and drive around for 10-20 miles, flush again, repeat as necessary, and then add t-stat after final flush before heading back home.

Make sure the hvac controls are set to HOT so it lets water circulate through the heater core while your doing your Flush Runs and Flushing.

I would also use the maxfax trick of adding automatic dishwashing detergent (not dish washing liquid) on at least flush #1.

[theman53]

I also have been drilling a tiny hole in the t stat. It helps SO much to bleed air and keep it from opening. You can fill with confidence

[smutts]

Maiden voyage coolant worries? If you don't live in Death Valley, have the windscreen heat on full, and wind the window down. If you feel hot air over the dashboard, you have coolant. No hot air? the coolant has p**sed out on the road. If the temp guage works, and is in the plastic elbow, the temperature goes down when all the coolant has gone. 

[flood]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I just found out from the brother in law, that around 2 years ago he was in town at his parents. He put a battery charger on the Jetta overnight and it fired right up the next morning.... I hope the damage was minimal, I guess I'll just drive it and take it from there. I will still drain fuel, prime system, replace the battery, change oil and filter, spin the oil pump, replace timing belt and tensioner, drain brake and coolant and replace, check the rear wheel bearings and repack, probably change the belts and hoses, and I figure I might as well change the thermostat after the system has been properly flushed. As for the tires, I will replace if I think they wont make the trip. Man I am pumped to own my first old diesel! I had been looking for an older Mercedes Benz diesel for a few years now, but it is hard to find something that the Illinois winter road salt hasn't eaten up to bad. And the price was right for the VW. As soon as I get her home and cleaned up, Ill take some pics for you guys! Thanks Again everyone! You guys Rock!

[punkvideo81]

looking forward to pics  of this artifact...

[tshoe7]

I'm curious as to what ever became of this jetta?