Author Topic: 1.6 CR IDI into 81 Rabbit Convertible (Cabriolet)  (Read 2901 times)

July 26, 2015, 05:48:07 pm

rs899

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1.6 CR IDI into 81 Rabbit Convertible (Cabriolet)
« on: July 26, 2015, 05:48:07 pm »
This "project" has been ongoing for almost 10 years now.  First I was going to just get the original EN engine going.  Then I was going to pull and rebuild it.  Then I was going to swap in JH (actually did).

But I'm a dieselhead at heart so eventually realized I had enough old CR parts to convert.  I had a CR shortblock that I had bought from MOFOCO in '94 that only did like 30k miles before the center bearing trashed the crank. So, I repistoned that and got another crank and I am about to light that puppy off in the car in the next few days.  But I am going to just run it off the battery and a small fuel can, without going through the car wiring or gas tank.

Question is , when I eventually get it running on the proper wiring, I know I need to bypass the fuel pump wiring somehow so the the ignition will engage the starter.  Anyone know how?
« Last Edit: July 26, 2015, 06:08:20 pm by rs899 »


'91 Jetta 1.6 NA, '82 Caddy 1.6NA, '81 Cabriolet,  4 Mercedes OM616/617s , 2 Triumphs and a Citroen DS19 in a pear tree.

Reply #1July 30, 2015, 01:28:36 pm

billybobf

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    89 golf 1.8 digi, 1.6 na in pieces in the shop
Re: 1.6 CR IDI into 81 Rabbit Convertible (Cabriolet)
« Reply #1 on: July 30, 2015, 01:28:36 pm »
Ok, what is CR meaning? Normally I would think common rail, but then IDI and 94 say no?

Reply #2July 30, 2015, 02:59:10 pm

rs899

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Re: 1.6 CR IDI into 81 Rabbit Convertible (Cabriolet)
« Reply #2 on: July 30, 2015, 02:59:10 pm »
CR is the engine code, as in  one of those old creaky 11mm blocks.  Yes I know about the current best practice to buy studs, but I started this business 21 years ago before anyone knew better (Al Gore hadn't invented the internet, can you imagine life before forums like this?).  I haven't ruined a block yet, and I have already torqued the head to final value with no obvious ill effects.  Do I feel lucky?  Youbecha..

'94 is when I bought this block (probably manufactured around 1981) as an assembled shortblock.  Evidently the MOFOCO morons didn't center the thrust bearing as it eventually ate up its crank.  I rediscovered it and thought I would put it to use.  (Actually, billybobf, it contains the O/S pistons you sold me via theman53 about three years ago...when you retire eventually projects find a way to get moving)
« Last Edit: July 30, 2015, 03:33:05 pm by rs899 »
'91 Jetta 1.6 NA, '82 Caddy 1.6NA, '81 Cabriolet,  4 Mercedes OM616/617s , 2 Triumphs and a Citroen DS19 in a pear tree.

Reply #3August 01, 2015, 02:16:34 am

billybobf

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Re: 1.6 CR IDI into 81 Rabbit Convertible (Cabriolet)
« Reply #3 on: August 01, 2015, 02:16:34 am »
The three way deal that came out of a fresh built 11mm block that cracked at the oil supply head bolt . I remember those pistons! Too bad those rings only had less than 500 miles on them. I remember the deal! They were n/a pistons and theman was in such a hurry to get a set

Reply #4August 01, 2015, 08:03:51 am

rs899

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Re: 1.6 CR IDI into 81 Rabbit Convertible (Cabriolet)
« Reply #4 on: August 01, 2015, 08:03:51 am »
I put Grant rings on them.  I have them on my Jetta and haven't burned much of anything on it in 80k miles, with less than perfect bores on it.  Fingers crossed on this cabby.
'91 Jetta 1.6 NA, '82 Caddy 1.6NA, '81 Cabriolet,  4 Mercedes OM616/617s , 2 Triumphs and a Citroen DS19 in a pear tree.

 

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