While many of you may be "backyard mechanics", I consider myself a "graveyard mechanic", meaning anything I try to fix, I usually kill or break. (aka Mr. Badwrench). While my Brother in law was wiring up my defective tail light, I casually look under the filter and see the %%^$^*&%^ drain.
So please accept my apologies for my
a) stupidity
b) inexperience
c) common sense.
4) lack of mechanical ability.
I have been criticized for pouring almost $1,700 in parts and labor {labor: please see above
} with new brakes, struts F & R, tires, 4 wheel alignment { Tires & align. from Pep Boys no less, I was actually impressed!} , new radio, wiring work, oil pan and valve cover gaskets, and most important, a timing gear wheel seal up in the valve cover area.
After all this, I drive 100 miles and oil light flashes. Having owned a few VW's and with wiring problems, I play it safe and slowly head to my mechanics 2.5 miles away. Well, he has no diesel oil, so I remembered I kept a quart in an emergency. Well, that oil pi$$es right to the ground.
Turns out that Timing seal was improperly installed. Told him I WILL get a new engine, NOT a junkyard. Had an 80 rabbit p/u and had a similar experience, only oil leak was caused by crappy seal in SEARS oil filter.
Better filter, added oil, idled for 45 minutes. Drove under a mile, and motor sounded like marbles poured in crankcase. Junkyard motor lasted less than 300 miles. Anyway, he said I should be alright.
Well, 100 + miles, and lots of idling, so far so good. Even for a Mr. Badwrench, I do try to keep simple things going on a regular basis, like oil changes, belts, usual PM, etc. It has 208k on it, and so far runs great. Though I wonder if my small drop in MPG is from the ULSD, and I should buy the Power Service stuff.
But I tried to drain the water and broke the damn thing. No ones fault but my own. Plan on buyng a Bentley book, from what i read, it is the best. Then maybe I can improve my skills.. lol (Of course, looking at the directions first might help me improve. )
For an 18 year old car, "diesel dyke" isn't in bad shape with minimal rust and paint that will still shine with a good waxing. But working in a crappy area of Brooklyn, you don't want a car with the "Hey, steal me" look. So the lowering, kit, recaros, custom headlights and spinning wheels are out.
Living 45 miles away, the guys at work laugh at the car, but I get 45 mpg (got 55.9 doing the speed limit) and they can laugh all they want.
I will look into the Racor. Seems like it is the best for the buck.. And thanks for the replies and advice. Mr Badwrench can't thank ya enough.
Stumbled upon this site on a websearch, and it is a great site.
Stay safe, stay well.
Topic: need a water/fuel separator for a 1989 Jetta 1.6 Diesel (Read 5353 times)
