Help Picking out a 1.6NA

[s.pavel6]

I've recently decided that I would like to get a 1.6NA car to play with. I have really only had Diesel experience with the TDIs. If I go look at some cars, what are some issues to look out for in terms of engine. I can spot body imperfections, etc. I'm really looking at the Hydraulic 86+ cars. One I am going to go look at, I had gotten sent pictures of looks a bit like this:



Lots of oil on the valve cover.. Wondering if that is a tell-tale sign of something going wrong, or just a standard valve cover leak..

Thanks all!

[srgtlord]

Engine wise, see if it starts on a very cold day. Body wise,  Rust is becoming an issue on all of these cars. Hidden Rust around the windsheild, rust around the gas tank filler, shock towers, floors..... If your looking a an mk2, get a mig welder too

[vwnut84]

Oil around the valve cover is usually just an indication of a leaking valve cover gasket (original gaskets are cork and don't last very long) or someone just being sloppy at an oil fillup.

As far as things to look for engine wise, just make sure maintenance has been kept up on.  Timing belts, filter changes ect.  Otherwise the 1.6's are pretty bulletproof......and slow.....haha.  Good luck!!

[R.O.R-2.0]

I've recently decided that I would like to get a 1.6NA car to play with. I have really only had Diesel experience with the TDIs. If I go look at some cars, what are some issues to look out for in terms of engine. I can spot body imperfections, etc. I'm really looking at the Hydraulic 86+ cars. One I am going to go look at, I had gotten sent pictures of looks a bit like this:



Lots of oil on the valve cover.. Wondering if that is a tell-tale sign of something going wrong, or just a standard valve cover leak..

Thanks all!

looks like it has an ECO pump on it, the delivery valves look very long to me..

also, it has a goofy alternator tension adjuster..

and that car is a 90-92.. just by seeing the electronic advance bypass mechanism on the pump. and the round coolant bubble..

[vwnut84]

It may look like an ECO pump, but it's the stock pump for the '90-'92 NA diesels.  The aerenoid was just used for the altitude compensator (device that is bolted to the fuel filter bracket).

[R.O.R-2.0]

It may look like an ECO pump, but it's the stock pump for the '90-'92 NA diesels.  The aerenoid was just used for the altitude compensator (device that is bolted to the fuel filter bracket).

i said nothing about the LDA tho.. i was talking about the LONG DELIVERY VALVES..

i thought only the ECO pumps had those long ass DV's

[ORCoaster]

I would be looking at the A/C and radiator both front and back to see how well they are holding up.  Winters can be rough in your next of the woods can they not? 

You should try and get a peek at the timing belt as well.  Maybe even remove the cover and check it for wear and tension.  To loose and to tight are both bad actors. 

Rev it up and see if the brake vacuum is getting generated by either pulling the hose off the MC, not an easy do and may break that stupid check valve, or undo a hose clamp at the pump and put your thumb over it.  Look for oil coming out of the pump, not a good thing. 

Axle/ CV joints and the general leakage of oil underneath.  Can you move the axles about?  Are to CV boots on and in one piece, no cuts spraying grease about the inside of the wheels?  Or on the rotors? 

Put a flashlight beam on those rotors and see if they are shiny smooth or look more like an old LP record.  Should be able to see the brake pad remaining as well.  I pull wheels and jack up wheels on cars I wan to buy.  I pack a small hydraulic jack with me and some wood chock blocks.  If the owner has a problem with me determining if the bearings are about shot then I have a problem with buying the car.

Exhaust system, good shape, not leaking out beat about and flattened constricting the flow?  How about the muffler, no holes?

That is the mechanical side, oh, tranny shifter.  You should be able to see that the bushings are in good repair on the parts where the shift rods come together.  Grab the little levers and see if they are tight or worn on the ball caps.  Best bring a rag to wipe the hands clean.  Do they sell little packs of gojo in individual servings yet?  Hmmm, time to make my million. 

Later DAS

[mystery3]

Do they sell little packs of gojo in individual servings yet?  Hmmm, time to make my million.

They do. They also make wipes in a tube, like heavy duty baby wipes.

[ORCoaster]

Well Well wonders never cease.  I guess because we live on the edge of the continent we just haven't seen them here.  I can by hand cleaner by the tub, tube and gallon but not in a one serving need.

Most times I just need the gallon size.  I will keep my eyes open, thanks.  I would like a couple individual uses in the glove box for when I need it.

[pointynoggin]

Most things are a cheap fix.  If it starts easy when cold and the pump doesn't leak then the worse that can happen is you'll be nickle and dimed to death.

[Baron VonZeppelin]

Pay a little more and get the nicest one you can find.
You'll save money and lots of labor/time in the big picture.
And have a nicer car from beginning to end.

A lot of these cars have been neglected/abused/under-maintained.

[maxfax]

Pay a little more and get the nicest one you can find.
You'll save money and lots of labor/time in the big picture.
And have a nicer car from beginning to end.

A lot of these cars have been neglected/abused/under-maintained.

Here here!! And it doesn't have to be the most expensive, just overall nice..   I've been shopping for a nice MK1 or 2 for the last couple months.. All I've found is crapped out messes for 3 grand that are gonna take at least another grand and lots of time to get back in order...   I missed out on a beautiful Mk2 Jetta coupe.. Well maintained and all for $800..  They sold it so cheap because it was "old"  

[Baron VonZeppelin]

This seems like a really nice Mk2 91 Jetta Dzl specimen, and priced well in reason if found to be as described.

I think where he states its "tied" - it meant "tight". lol
Must have been dictating to someone else typing the info.

2 hours away from me, but there are a few other NC members here in the Raleigh area who might could do a pre-inspection.

http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/2854336170.html

[ORCoaster]

Don't you just get all giddy with that "Very RARE"  deal on Craigslist?  All the VW's could be called that.  They are antiques really.  That will be the next statement.

[s.pavel6]

Thanks for the replies.. I have yet to go down and take a look at this thing.. But with the trouble spots outlined, I am sure to get a good indication of the car's health. A note that the pictures came from a car where not much history is known.. So I would have to really "feel" out the timing belt and see if it will last the 300 mile trip home :-/