New to the diesel world here.....

[Donny]

I just got a 92 Jetta diesel. I know it is NA and I am sure the only engine in the 92 was a 1.6l for the NA's am I correct?

So what I want to know is this.... what should I look for on this car as to problem areas that are diesel specific?

I know it needs new injector lines and a new clutch as the clutch is starting to slip a bit and the one injector line is leaking fuel. Now are there an there any other things that you guys can think of that I can check with generic tools?

Also please list the things that I would need special tools for and please tell me what these tools are and possibly where I can get them at a reasonable price. Keep in mind I am in Canada and would prefer not to buy things form the states due to customs and duty.

I will post pics this week if I have a chance to get out to where I am storing it.

Thanks.

[veeman]

Not sure what models Canada got in 92... I'm thinking there was a TD or possibly even an ecodiesel (also TD, but without the boost enrichment pump).  I'm sure burn_yo_cash will chime in on that...

Which injector lines are leaking?  The metal ones or the rubber overflow lines?  Obviously, the rubber lines are easier to replace.  

As far as things to check... is the car running ok?  If so, then you shouldn't really need to check much.  Does the coolant look clean?  Oil changed recently?  No oil leaks? How does it start on cold days?  Do the glow plugs seem to be functioning ok?  

The main "special" tools needed for a diesel are the timing tools.  As you might know, most diesel engines are timed correctly by using the dial indicator and rotating the pump slightly in relation to the engine.  There are many articles here on how to do this...

Anyway, there's a pin that locks the pump in place while doing timing operations, a cam lock tool that fits in the end of the cam and a special dial indicator and adapter that fits in the back of the pump.   You can use a correctly sized socket for the pin and a large file or even a door hinge for the cam lock, but the dial indicator is fairly specific to the task.

I bought my timing tools on ebay for around $80.  Sometimes you can find them used.

[91 ECO]

Keep an eye on the injection pump.  If it's a high mileage pump or has never been rebuilt, the new low sulfur fuel can cause some leaking problems.  Search around on the site about the fuel additive you might prefer to keep the pump in good shape.  If you ever need to remove the pump, take the opportunity to change the glow plugs.  Replacing the glow plugs with the pump on the car has been known to cause foul language and flying objects.  Welcome!

[burn_your_money]

If you don't know when the timing belt was last changed definitly get that done ASAP. You can have a shop do it for you, I think it's 300-500$ or you can do it yourself for under $150, including buying the tools.
You can buy the tools here

The 92s came with 1.6NA or 1.6TD. I'm not sure about the eco desiel. Regardless it will be a 1.6l engine.

Get your glow plugs checked out while it's still warm

You'll probably also want to read this page

Timing belts are fairly easy to do yourself if you know how to read and use tools. Having a Bentley is highly recommended

[psyte]

get yourself that 4pc. set of 12 point bits from crappy tire (also known as triple square and xzn i think)  you will need these if your ever going to pull the engine/tranny, CV axels and starter.  its in their power built section usualy behind the counter.  i went to 3 different canadian tires and before they even bothered to check the computer they all said they dont have it.  make sure they look it up in the computer because its 100% in there.  i had a hell of a time trying to find these tools and they seem to be a VW specialty.  dont try to use torx or allen keys on them, i learned the hard way that it wont work.

[burn_your_money]

The 12 points may not be needed for the starter, none of my 5 cars need it. They aren't a VW specialty tool, many imports use them. Nissan, Toyota etc.

[Donny]

If you don't know when the timing belt was last changed definitly get that done ASAP. You can have a shop do it for you, I think it's 300-500$ or you can do it yourself for under $150, including buying the tools.
You can buy the tools here

The 92s came with 1.6NA or 1.6TD. I'm not sure about the eco desiel. Regardless it will be a 1.6l engine.

Get your glow plugs checked out while it's still warm

You'll probably also want to read this page

Timing belts are fairly easy to do yourself if you know how to read and use tools. Having a Bentley is highly recommended

I have a Bentley and I own another 92 Jetta that is a gasser. These two cars are mirror images of each other. Same color, same year, just different engines.

Thanks for the info guys and I will definitely be picking up a set of those timing tools.

I also have a used set of glow plugs and injectors in the mail now.