'80 2Door Rabbit Diesel C White on Lipstick Red

[ORCoaster]

The bushing that allows the pushrod to be centered was so worn on mine I had to pull it out the front with an improvised claw hook.  Could not drive it out the back and didn't have a self tapping bolt handy that was that size.  Seal was all but gone as well, barely a thin ring left. 

[gtiguy1994]

seal and bushing removed. Put in a order for some new parts.




Found the exhaust leak. The gasket looks good, there are no cracks on the manifold. It is getting new exhaust gaskets and intake gasket

[ORCoaster]

What prevented the exhaust gasket from coming up tight to the manifold?  Is that flange tweaked somehow and preventing a tight seal?  Or was it just loose?

Don't make the mistake of putting all the gaskets on the same way.  One side gets flipped in comparison to the other.  Mirror images of one another.  If you do flip em they cover the port partially and the engine may be restricted enough already with a tiny pipe. 

I just recently went to a 2.25 inch pipe and it runs much nicer.  Sounds better too.

[gtiguy1994]

I am not exactly sure what caused the exhaust leak. I used a straight edge to see if anything was goofy, everything looks good. The gaskets were on correctly.

This morning tasks included a brake flush, lots of nasty brown fluid in the lines. Inspected brake components, All parts look great, plenty of shoe left.
 I noticed the ball joints (up front, obviously) still have the factory rivots, they have no play.
I bought this bleeder a while ago, it works great.




Waiting on my gaskets for the intake and exhaust, they were supposed to arrive at the parts store early this morning, but the freight truck was delayed. Off to have a cup of coffee.

[gtiguy1994]

Success.
Installed new clutch push rod bushing and seal, new input shaft seal, new clutch components, new intake/exhaust gaskets. Figured out the transmission linkage. Took it for a ride... Of course it snowed...again. Those tires are horrible in the snow. But everything works as it should.
If I keep it, I will have it painted, look for some OEM wheels, or keep it completely stock. Not too many stock ones running around anymore. I may be a minority then

[ORCoaster]

I would go for keeping it stock as it is so well preserved.  Keep the white with a black under the bump on the door line and redo the silver wheels.  OR do one of those black Diesel Rabbit decals under that same line on the door.

[gtiguy1994]

wow, as soon as I had installed the new seals, I got an offer to sell. Sold for full asking price plus fuel cost. Its going to remain stock per new owner.
Nice talking to you fellas. But I only own vw gassers now. :/

[8v-of-fury]

Not even cool bro. LOL

[ORCoaster]

Plus fuel costs?  What about parts and time factor.  What did he do fill the tank with some really expensive diesel and wanted to get the price back?  Fuel costs  Hmmm?

[8v-of-fury]

Sold for full asking price.

Plus fuel costs?  What about parts and time factor. 

Well I hope his asking price factored parts and services rendered. I have a few people wanting to buy my 88 I saved.. Paid $500 and I could easily sell it for 15-1800, but its TOO clean haha.

All the best with your inferior gas engines

[gtiguy1994]

Plus fuel costs?  What about parts and time factor.  What did he do fill the tank with some really expensive diesel and wanted to get the price back?  Fuel costs  Hmmm?

In the friendliest way of saying it: Its not your money or time. The new owner was very very pleased and I got what I wanted. Both parties are satisfied with the transaction.

Sold for full asking price.

Plus fuel costs?  What about parts and time factor. 

Well I hope his asking price factored parts and services rendered. I have a few people wanting to buy my 88 I saved.. Paid $500 and I could easily sell it for 15-1800, but its TOO clean haha.

All the best with your inferior gas engines

yeah yeah yeah, gas engines   

Since I was off work since Feb 14th. I needed to sell this. Dipping into our savings account a little to deeply.