VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: Loujitsu82 on September 02, 2008, 07:05:57 pm

Title: My First VW 85 Golf
Post by: Loujitsu82 on September 02, 2008, 07:05:57 pm
Hey all,

 I have been lurking in the forum for a while now and figured I'd make my 1st post.

I have recently found  a 85 Golf NA diesel with 130k mi,  a near perfect body, no rust and a pretty clean Interior. It has been in a small accident in the front which has been repaired(Hood, grill etc has been replaced.)
The previous owner said he was driving it when all of a sudden it started making a helicopter noise and died within the next 20 feet. When I was checking out the car I noticed the oil was so low it didn't register on the dipstick. I offered him $300, he accepted my offer. I pick it up this weekend and cant wait to tear into it!

My questions are:

Is it possible that this bottom end can be saved if it spun a bearing, etc?  
Is there anything out of the ordinary to watch out for with the IP timing etc during disassembly? I'm not sure I can wait until my Bentley manual arrives to start taking it apart. I have moderate mechanic experience with american cars and japanese motorcycles. Thanks 8)

-Louis
Title: My First VW 85 Golf
Post by: Duster 5.9 on September 02, 2008, 08:11:48 pm
this is what may have happened. first drain the oil to see if there is any in it. secondly check the timing belt cause what you describe makes me think a timing belt which caused the pistons to contact the valves. thirdly wait for the bently. go through the timing process (if the belt didn't snap)to familiarize yourself with pump timing. it will make it way easier and understanduble later if you tear it all apart.
Title: My First VW 85 Golf
Post by: Duster 5.9 on September 02, 2008, 08:13:18 pm
oh ya and welcome to the world of VW"S there are alot of great people on this board.
Title: My First VW 85 Golf
Post by: arb on September 03, 2008, 05:39:16 am
If it ran dry, it is possible the engine is still salvageable. I had a NA IDI run dry once right after an oil change (Mobley 1 as always) but I used a cheap filter that ruptured. I was in rush hour traffic so I could not see the idiot light in the few seconds it ran before it stopped. 45 minutes later, a new filter and new oil, it was no longer locked and I restarted and drove another 50k miles or so before the body gave out.

Get the Bentley and follow the timing procedure. If you want to rebuild, its an easy engine once you get used to the VW way on some things  In any event, replace that timing belt and tensioning pulley as you have no way to know when it was last done. Some belts have really short life's - some here have said 50K miles for the cheap ones. Get quality and you'll be looking at 80K - 100K. IMO.
Title: My First VW 85 Golf
Post by: myke_w on September 03, 2008, 06:40:52 am
also, if the timing belt is intact, try turning the motor over by hand. If it doesn't turn over chances are it wiped out a journal (as I'm sure you know).

If that's the case, you might be able to get away with a crank and bearings.

You also should yank the cam and inspect the journals to be safe.

It's very unlikely the block was damaged, I've very rarely seen spun bearings, generally they just overheat and scar the hell out of the journal.
Title: My First VW 85 Golf
Post by: Loujitsu82 on September 04, 2008, 06:34:12 am
Thanks all!

Ill update my post when I bring her home.
Title: Update
Post by: Loujitsu82 on September 06, 2008, 08:30:16 pm
(http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff178/loujitsu82/VW004.jpg)
Here she is before I picked her up. I took it home today and cleaned, degreased engine bay, prep for inspection etc. Tomorrow I will remove oil pan and timing cover.[/img]
Title: My First VW 85 Golf
Post by: Duster 5.9 on September 06, 2008, 09:18:25 pm
looks good :D
Title: My First VW 85 Golf
Post by: Loujitsu82 on September 08, 2008, 06:21:23 am
Timing belt is in tact.   #2 intake and exhaust cam followers are frozen/chewed into the head. After removing the cam I could rotate the crankshaft almost all the way around then it would stop. Bent valve or broken piston...I got to get the triple square bit for the head bolts before I can proceed as well as locate another head.
Title: Delayed Update
Post by: Loujitsu82 on September 17, 2008, 09:58:51 pm
Quote from: "myke_w"
also, if the timing belt is intact, try turning the motor over by hand. If it doesn't turn over chances are it wiped out a journal (as I'm sure you know).

If that's the case, you might be able to get away with a crank and bearings.

You also should yank the cam and inspect the journals to be safe.

It's very unlikely the block was damaged, I've very rarely seen spun bearings, generally they just overheat and scar the hell out of the journal.



Found a set of triple square bits @ autoparts store. Rod bearing spun, busted rod cap off. The crank then tagged the detatched connecting rod and bent the $#!* out of it. Rod journal on crank is jacked, Gonna have to grind the crank. Ill post pics when I can. Gonna PM Myke for parts...
Title: My First VW 85 Golf
Post by: arb on September 18, 2008, 07:28:45 am
Bummer Dude. The owner must not have believed in oil changes. At 130K miles, that engine should have just broken-in and ready to carry you 2 -3x that w/o issue.

I'd love to find a treasure like that just waiting for me ;-)
Title: Update
Post by: Loujitsu82 on October 04, 2008, 06:34:07 pm
Ok so I found a 1.6 n/a from Germany w/ 80,100 Mi. Drove 200 mi to pick her up, found out it has a new head installed(german casting!) Cant wait to get it in.  :D
Title: My First VW 85 Golf
Post by: Vincent Waldon on October 04, 2008, 06:51:46 pm
Of course you realize you shoulda picked up the Beetle as well !!  :wink:

Good luck with your build.


Vince
Title: My First VW 85 Golf
Post by: Loujitsu82 on October 06, 2008, 07:32:23 am
Quote from: "Vincent Waldon"
Of course you realize you shoulda picked up the Beetle as well !!  :wink:

Good luck with your build.


Vince


Lol yeah, I already have too many cars though. '02 Camaro z28, '92 K1500, and now 85 Golf Diesel, Its looking a bit like a used car lot around here.

A couple years ago my dad picked up a 1988 Nissan Patrol which was imported from germany very clean with the 2.8 turbo diesel. It gets to park in the garage. lol

Thanks Vince