North America's First Turbo Diesel VW Fox

[JGWarner]

Alright, hard questions.

What is this white plug in the bottom of the water pump? The Fox WP does not have this.



Mine is cracked off, but I can't tell that it's going to be a problem. It was literally hanging in there by a shred of plastic, it broke off when I went to wipe oil off it.

Also, this is an MD code TD. From all my research that means this engine should have hydraulic lifters. These appear to be mech lifters. Thoughts?

[Quantum TD]

Same thing happened on the ME motors in 1985. They were still mechanical-lifters. Hydraulic came in late-1985.

On the Quantum, the MD was the last year of the TD in the Quantum. Starting in 1986, the only option was 1.8 gas or 5 cylinder. It's a bit of an oddball.

[ktownboostn]

Sorry..TD fox wagon...total win in my books ! lol

I've found you can never trust what the info says... you never know if somebody has been in there before and replaced stuff... or if you happened to sumble apon a weird combo from factory between vin splits or something .

As for the port on the waterpump... not to sure !

[JGWarner]

Well, I guess I can't be too disappointed. I thought it was a CY when I bought it, which meant mech lifters and a K24. So the only difference with this MD is the Garret T3. You can't put a mech head on a hydro block, right? There'd be a huge leak where the second oil port goes. And this head was cast on 3/29/1985, so it fits the vintage. It must be factory. Bummer.

I should be more relieved that I might not have to rebuild my turbo, instead of whining about mech lifters!

[theman53]

check the faq...I could be wrong but there should be a what fits what cyl head/block thread. Maxfax maybe started it, I know he had one on the 11mm stuff, but I think he expanded it to all stuff.

You cannot directly bolt on a hydro head to a mech block, but you can use a hydro head on a mech block with  the second oil hole plugged and some other work IIRC. Saurkraut put a 1.9L head on a 1.5 so it can be done.

[JGWarner]

Thanks, I'll check the FAQ.

Any wisdom to be had on the white plug under the water pump? I can't find it in the Quantum Bentley either.

[Quantum TD]

Thanks, I'll check the FAQ.

Any wisdom to be had on the white plug under the water pump? I can't find it in the Quantum Bentley either.

It serves no purpose. Its like an inspection plug. When those old pumps start to leak, that's usually where it happens. Don't worry about it and/or just put on a new pump anyways.

[JGWarner]

Thanks. The pump on the Fox has half the mileage, will probably just swap that over. The entire cooling system is getting replaced in this swap, and A/C deleted. Should run a lot cooler.

[macka]

Thanks. The pump on the Fox has half the mileage, will probably just swap that over. The entire cooling system is getting replaced in this swap, and A/C deleted. Should run a lot cooler.

don't delete the AC, you more then likely have junk built up between the A/C and when you pull them apart, you'll need to clean them out.

[JGWarner]

Eh? You mean between the radiator and the A/C condensor? Because I've got a new radiator too. VW had Fox rads on clearance last year for $39. Lucky me, unlucky anyone who needs one in a few years. I live in a moderate climate, I've been getting by without A/C.

On top of all that, the Fox is considered nose heavy as it is. This is all useless weight in front of the wheels.

[macka]

yup, that's exactly where I mean. I live in a very mild zone, but I like my A/C. The fox is very motor forward, and maybe if you have the space bring it back a couple of inches. It'll make for a much better handling car.

[JGWarner]

Interesting idea... though the car handles fine right now for what it is. If this car saw track time I'd think about something like that. But I'm going diesel more for the fuel economy than the raw power...

Believe it or not the Fox was designed to be front heavy when empty. Under load of driver and passenger it actually balances out nicely. That's one way they kept the weight under 2,000lbs when it has an identical drivetrain to the heavier B chassis cars.

[JGWarner]

Updates to my thread (link in my signature)

The Fox has a metal fuel tank. That brings some challenges which I address in the thread.

Also got a 5M transmission, hoping it's tall 5th gear (0.600) will lend some good FE.

[JGWarner]

...kinda like waiting in traffic to go from San Fran to Oakland...

Yes there are lots of pics. 56k beware. Sig edited.

Wouldn't your new tank be just as zinc galvanized as the original?

It's in the thread... In short, the new tank is Ni-terne, NOT galv. Diesel safe.

It may be too much to read, but it's written for Foxers who are unfamiliar with the holy word of diesel. 

[Quantum TD]

When you're ready to delete the cruise bracket and canister from the pump, let me know