1991 IDI TD Jetta Eco Diesel Engine Teardown- I'm nervous

[evoasis]

I've experience tearing down engines, but ordering parts has me extremely worried.  I intend to take lots of photos for future people's projects, but I'm going to change out the piston rings, and all gaskets in between the bottom end and the valve cover.

Here's one site, anyone have any other suggestions / part number references?  Here's two photos to get this party started: http://www.partsplaceinc.com/products

[evoasis]

Here's the kits I think I should get, from what I gather off the forums...

Piston Ring kit:
unknown!

Block kit:
https://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=jf1iv245t0tnio2zwbkkw345&makeid=800026@VW&modelid=1283352@JETTA%20GL&year=1991&cid=seal,o-ring,oring,gasket@Seals%20and%20Gaskets&gid=10424@Block/Lower%20Engine%20Gasket%20Set

Valve Cover kit:
https://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=jf1iv245t0tnio2zwbkkw345&makeid=800026@VW&modelid=1283352@JETTA%20GL&year=1991&cid=seal,o-ring,oring,gasket@Seals%20and%20Gaskets&gid=5500@Valve%20Cover%20Gasket%20Set

Cylinder Head kit:
https://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=jf1iv245t0tnio2zwbkkw345&makeid=800026@VW&modelid=1283352@JETTA%20GL&year=1991&cid=seal,o-ring,oring,gasket@Seals%20and%20Gaskets&gid=5416@Cylinder%20Head%20Gasket%20Set

and one of the Head Gaskets listed here:
https://www.autohausaz.com/search/product.aspx?sid=jf1iv245t0tnio2zwbkkw345&makeid=800026@VW&modelid=1283352@JETTA%20GL&year=1991&cid=seal,o-ring,oring,gasket@Seals%20and%20Gaskets&gid=5412@Cylinder%20Head%20Gasket

[theman53]

If you are nervous I don't recommend prothe for engine parts. Myke W a forum mod on here has OEM quality parts for reasonable prices *see link below*. There is an entire thread about prothe, but it boils down to no one really knows what you are putting into the engine. The parts aren't name brand or any brand recognizable for that matter. I am going to use his pistons, Dakotakid uses his pistons, and smoking eddy used his pistons, but I replaced the rings on them and the other guys I know had problems with the rings around 10,000 miles.

If you weren't nervous about this I would have said give it a try. My opinion is most of his parts are to help the guy that just wants to get the car on the road for another year or two. Not for the guy wanting to have a project car for many years. Just my opinion. Good luck and do what you wish.

http://www.thedubdoctor.com/parts_site/idiparts.html

also many other sites like this that have the gaskets you would want. http://www.autohausaz.com

[evoasis]

Oh the nervousness is only about getting the correct parts in, as there are soooo many different engine codes and whatnot to worry about.. All I can tell is I have an IDI 1588cc Turbo Diesel for a year 1991 Jetta... Thanks for the advice though!  I may see him about pistons should I decide to go that route, though I'd prob go with something from Germany OE / OEM.

[theman53]

The 91 "SHOULD" be a hydro head block. Many owners and years and possiblities to have an engine swap so with out looking you won't know. These are interference fit engines so don't mess too much with the engine if the timing belt is off. Don't turn the engine over unless you are sure the timing is accurate...turn it over with a wrench before a starter even if you are sure.

The Head gasket should be measured for thickness. Search piston protrusion for details.
This is in the FAQ
http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=16688.0

[evoasis]

Well, after everything that could be wrong with this 1.6, I'm thinking of going to a 1.9AAZ or something.. Sound like a good idea? hahaha

[evoasis]

Or how bout going big with a full on TDI from an 2000 or up model??? I need a carrrrr