Author Topic: New To The Diesel Crowd:Improving my 1.6TD (Read 3508 times)

CasualDays · « **on:** May 04, 2007, 10:16:08 am »

I just became the proud owner of a 1.6td rabbit from the junkyard. it's an 83 model, and we have determined it's a swap. My question is- I have no idea how long this thing has been sitting, but it's long enough for a bit algae/moss/mildew to be growin on the bottom of the fenders. It's a light coating but dishartening. The timing belt looks solid. My question is..Do you think it would be safe to try to start it if I drain the tank, change the fuel filter, and put some new fuel in? I plan on doin glow plugs/injectors but I want to know if it' has the ability to run before I spend $150 or so. I'm guessing I should also try turning the motor over manually to make sure it's freely moving..

Also, I have access to a G60 engine, and I was wondering what parts I could pull off to improve the TD. I have read how to get quick and easy power in the FAQS but I've also read through various threads that there are parts on the PG block that can be beneficial.

Anyone care to enlighten a new-ish person?

RabbitJockey · « **Reply #1 on:** May 04, 2007, 11:29:33 am »

the only thing beneficial on the g60 is the intake manifold, but you have to flip the turbo and stuff to run it... so it's not that beneficial. the only other thing i can tell you is that, you should replace the timing belt regardless. and you only need to replace the glow plugs that are bad... if they work they work, they're not like spark plugs that can work but work ***ty

CasualDays · « **Reply #2 on:** May 04, 2007, 12:03:46 pm »

See, that shows how much I know. I've read about how bad injectors can ruin a head, and so I will replace those asap. I didn't know that it was a do or die kind of thing with glow plugs. I should replace them all at once though when I do correct? Any other suggestions for getting it started, other than my plan of attack?

rallydiesel · « **Reply #3 on:** May 04, 2007, 12:28:19 pm »

Why wouldn't you try starting it at the junkyard? You think the timing belt was installed incorrectly?

CasualDays · « **Reply #4 on:** May 04, 2007, 01:47:53 pm »

Here's a few pictures of the car. Honestly I didn't have a bunch of time try starting it at the junkyard. I've always wanted a mk1 diesel and I honestly plan on learning on this car. For a small sum, this car is good learner.

Interior shot.

Outside Shot.

Still trying to figure out the engine code for this beast. I' need to know which Bently to buy for this car.

Full engine shot + pump

New Problem Spot: Is this where the coolant resevoir connects? It's plugged up with a cork, and I' was kinda wondering what it was for.

This is just another shot of the problem spot.

Edit: I' found some pics on the Vortex, and I 'm pretty sure that's the coolant resevoir hose. Why would someone do this? Just a dumb freakin deuche or is there a legit reason?

jtanguay · « **Reply #5 on:** May 04, 2007, 02:30:19 pm »

um... i dont think there is any legit reason for plugging that up... since it has been at the junkyard.. maybe some dude took it, and had the decency of plugging up that hole so no contaminants get in or out???

find another tank... i would not try to run the engine like this!

tylernt · « **Reply #6 on:** May 04, 2007, 05:41:48 pm »

Yes your coolant overflow tank is missing. Maybe a radiator with an integrated overflow tank (from pre-'80 gasser Rabbit) was installed. Does the radiator have a small barb for a small hose on the top passenger side? If it doesn't, and has a cap on the radiator, you should be fine as-is. If the radiator has a barb and no cap, then you need an overflow tank.

It's not necessary to replace the glow plugs as a set, though you may wish to do so just so you don't have to do it again any time soon.

There's no danger in turning the engine over by hand. If the timing belt snaps while cranking the starter, you're unlikely to bend valves but if the engine is actually running when the belt goes the probability of damage goes way up.

Rather than start it, you might just do a compression check instead. If compression is over 415psi it should start and run fine.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #7 on:** May 04, 2007, 06:10:31 pm »

at $150 I'd buy it regardless, it's worth more in parts and engines are easy to swap. Plus parting out an engine is an excellent learning experience

just buy a mk1 bentley, that is all I have and I use it for mk1/mk2/mk3s. The engines are all the same with the exception of the valve/head (hydro/solid)

CasualDays · « **Reply #8 on:** May 04, 2007, 08:27:39 pm »

Quote from: burn_your_money

at $150 I'd buy it regardless, it's worth more in parts and engines are easy to swap. Plus parting out an engine is an excellent learning experience

just buy a mk1 bentley, that is all I have and I use it for mk1/mk2/mk3s. The engines are all the same with the exception of the valve/head (hydro/solid)

Well I bought it for $300

But close enough.

I was thinking of buyin the new injectors and glow plugs for around $150 more. Still haven't even spent $500!

And what weight oil should I put in it?? 20w50?

tylernt · « **Reply #9 on:** May 04, 2007, 08:29:55 pm »

Quote from: "CasualDays"

And what weight oil should I put in it?? 20w50?

Some folks run 10W40, others, 20W50. I like 10W40 myself, but I checked my oil pressure and it was fine with 10W40. If you have low oil pressure then go for 20W50 in the summer. You'll have a hard time starting your car in the winter with 20W50, though, unless you live pretty far south.

jtanguay · « **Reply #10 on:** May 05, 2007, 01:56:16 am »

i've been trying 5w50 for a while... all through winter the car has been pretty easy starting... seems quieter when fully warmed up too.

synthetic does go a longer way than regular oil... doesn't seem to burn