Thanks to all, mission (BUT.........)

[fdnyguy]

Well, after sitting for 3 years, I finally put my 89 back on the road yesterday. Still a few electrical glitches and other minor issues, but I'll worry about them later. After being spoiled for 3 years in the 09 TDI, it may take a little more time than I thought to get used to driving the 89......

Many, many thanks to those who answered my (sometimes dumb) questions, offered advice, shortcuts, and to sell parts if needed. One of many who loves cars, but can't fix them..lol. BIG thanks to Scott (ilikevwdiesel) who installed an engine he had, fixed a few things, added a few things including the Giles IP (thanks to Giles as well). With the $$ I had in it, selling it for parts would never have gotten me back 1/2 of that, and knowing fuel would climb again (might be $4.50+ here come the end of May), I waited until the right time came along, and hauled it up to Scott. Now that I have a job at LaGuardia Airport, along with the FD in Brooklyn, I'd rather put the wear and tear on an 89 than an 09. MOF, I hit a pothole on 65th St in Maspeth and bent the LF rim on the 09. Again, might take a little more time than I thought to get used to driving it. Might have to replace the door seals, not used to that noise anymore...



Again, many thanks to everyone for your help. I may be flying to Toronto this afternoon to pick up a rim I found on the Vortex, so the beer option is still open..

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy

[fdnyguy]

On a related issue, is there anyone in the Syracuse area who can take a peek at the car? Coming up here last night, my alternator fried. Car is south of Cortland getting alternator replaced. Have a few issues electrically, and would appreciate anyone looking at it so I don't fry it on the way home. Plea$e PM me. Here till Sat. Thank you.

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

[spencebm]

Drive the hell out of it

[fdnyguy]

Drive the hell out of it

If I could keep it running...lol. After breaking it in as ordered, I headed up north to Syracuse to see friends and break it in on the highway. Well, a new alternator crapped out. Though even with little car skills, I am aware some rebuilt alternator/starters are not up to snuff. So I am hoping the electrical issues I have are not frying the alternator(s). On the bright side, I was VERY happy with its performance on I-80 and I-81, I had no problem keeping speed on those hills with that Giles IP. Could never do that with the old one, and my head was slightly warped when pulled. I averaged 40.96 mpg for the first tank, I still think I will see some improvement.

Just curious, though. My radio shorts out now and then, shuts off when using the turn signals, and blower does not work on #4. Also, would loss of electrical screw with the water/fuel gauges? There is NO WAY I used 1/2 a tank in 100 or so miles.  The technical knowledge you guys have here constantly spins my head, so any question with it, I come to VW diesel Mecca..

Was spoiled for 3 years in a TDI, so i have to get used to N/A all over again...

Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.

[srgtlord]

Make sure the exciter wire is hooked up to the alternator. I found out the hard way when I bought my diesel

[fatmobile]

 All those weird problems would make me suspect a bad ground.

[Syncroincity]

I'd look into a new ignition switch as well... when they go bad all sorts of weird problems sprout up.
Congrats on getting her back on the road!
PM me with your schedule at LGA, I'm right up the street... swing by for a brew!

[fdnyguy]

I'd look into a new ignition switch as well... when they go bad all sorts of weird problems sprout up.
Congrats on getting her back on the road!
PM me with your schedule at LGA, I'm right up the street... swing by for a brew!

I'll look into the switch, thanks. For a guy that loves cars like I do, I should have learned how to fix them. I have a few offers from members of my VW club, so I offered to buy steaks for a GTG. I'm just worried that paying for a new alternator, I may fry it on the way home.. Scott put one in with the rebuilt, so I wonder if that crapped out, or the wiring did it.  As posted, the GILES IP made a big difference. I really didnt notice it, because I played it safe and drove 55-60 for the first 700 miles. But going uphill on the interstate I really noticed it.
I work 0700-1330 @ LGA Mon-Thurs this bid. I'll bring a 6-pack. Name your brew.


Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy

[clbanman]

I had a situation that sounds a bit like yours.   I was driving the car and the fuel level gauge started dropping abnormally quickly.  Then noticed low charge indication but I didn't put 2 and 2 together.  (Fuel gauge will drop or read low if voltage drops low enough.)   Replaced alternator and charged battery - no change.   I found that the wire from the alternator that should charge the battery was sent to the starter, then a separate wire to the battery.  The connector on the end of the wire had corroded at the connection to the wire to the point that it wouldn't carry current, but visually everything looked good.   Elsewhere on the forum, BYM has a step by step procedure on checking voltage and resistance to check your wiring.  This might be time well spent.   

[fdnyguy]

I had a situation that sounds a bit like yours.   I was driving the car and the fuel level gauge started dropping abnormally quickly.  Then noticed low charge indication but I didn't put 2 and 2 together.  (Fuel gauge will drop or read low if voltage drops low enough.)   Replaced alternator and charged battery - no change.   I found that the wire from the alternator that should charge the battery was sent to the starter, then a separate wire to the battery.  The connector on the end of the wire had corroded at the connection to the wire to the point that it wouldn't carry current, but visually everything looked good.   Elsewhere on the forum, BYM has a step by step procedure on checking voltage and resistance to check your wiring.  This might be time well spent.   

I'll check out that BYM link, thanks. My nephew is pretty decent with electrical, and I'm setting up a GTG with some folks from my VW club. One was in the top 50 VW mechanics competition in Dallas this year. He also owns an 87 (gas,ugh!!) and he is familiar with the Mk2. Thanks again to everyone for advice and tips, it is very much appreciated.


Stay safe, stay well. Jimmy.