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General Information => Troubleshooting => Topic started by: tthayer on December 23, 2009, 12:19:10 pm

Title: Cracked water flange - 1.6D NA
Post by: tthayer on December 23, 2009, 12:19:10 pm
The cold weather froze the water in my engine before I had a chance to flush it out with a proper anti-freeze mix. The end result of this is that my upper water flange cracked. I tried JB Weld but it didn't hold because I didn't clean the mating surfaces properly. I'm going to re-attempt the JB weld after scrubbing it pretty thoroughly, but I'm not confident that it'll hold.

The dealership can get the part, but it is $110! None of the wrecking yards around here have any diesels (or any Mk1's for that matter), so repair or finding the part at a remote wrecking yard seem to be the only reasonable options. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Also: I'd be happy to buy the part from a forum member if they have a spare one.
Title: Re: Cracked water flange - 1.6D NA
Post by: Turbinepowered on December 23, 2009, 02:33:00 pm
You can clean it off really well, wirebrush it to expose raw metal at the crack, then braze it.

Does the mk1 (which I guess you have, since you mentioned it?) use a different flange than the later 1.6D engines? I have a couple water necks floating about, I could see if one would fit your car and cut you a sweet deal.
Title: Re: Cracked water flange - 1.6D NA
Post by: rs899 on December 24, 2009, 04:26:10 am
I have the same issue, but on the MKII 1.6 engine.  The PO must have been a gorilla (both flanges cracked, worn intermediate shaft bushing from timing belt, etc).

Europarts direct has both flanges  (cheap)for the later engine (same head).  I am sure they will fit yours, but you will have to buy the later senders to fit in the holes.

Rick
Title: Re: Cracked water flange - 1.6D NA
Post by: tthayer on December 24, 2009, 10:54:54 am
A local welder is going to take a crack at it, but if he finds no success it looks like VW Diesel Parts has one for $15.

I'm so close to getting this running! Patience is key, I suppose.
Title: Re: Cracked water flange - 1.6D NA
Post by: tthayer on December 24, 2009, 11:22:18 am
Here's a simple diagram showing the flange:

(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4041/4211746040_9e7e5d9657.jpg)
Title: Re: Cracked water flange - 1.6D NA
Post by: Turbinepowered on December 24, 2009, 01:29:55 pm
Just the one sensor hole, then?
Title: Re: Cracked water flange - 1.6D NA
Post by: tthayer on December 24, 2009, 03:33:05 pm
No sensor holes, just two bolt holes on the right side of the flange (with the arrow).
Title: Re: Cracked water flange - 1.6D NA
Post by: Turbinepowered on December 24, 2009, 05:01:55 pm
No sensor holes, just two bolt holes on the right side of the flange (with the arrow).

I think I have one of those. If you want I can take a look, but it'll be Tuesday before I can do that... we'll be out backpacking Sat-Mon.
Title: Re: Cracked water flange - 1.6D NA
Post by: burn_your_money on December 25, 2009, 06:20:07 am
It's the same as any 8v gas car. You can even put on one of the newer style ones with the sensors in it. It will bolt up just fine. As far as I remember the hose diameters are the same as well
Title: Re: Cracked water flange - 1.6D NA
Post by: tthayer on December 25, 2009, 02:52:19 pm
I looked at a few cabrios and a gasser rabbit, but they all had an extra flange sticking out. I had eyes only for my flange. The flanges of the world kept themselves hidden from my sight. It looks like VW Diesel Parts has the water neck for me. The flange drought has come to an end.
Title: Re: Cracked water flange - 1.6D NA
Post by: Turbinepowered on December 27, 2009, 11:30:51 pm
I looked at a few cabrios and a gasser rabbit, but they all had an extra flange sticking out. I had eyes only for my flange. The flanges of the world kept themselves hidden from my sight. It looks like VW Diesel Parts has the water neck for me. The flange drought has come to an end.

Okay. Mine would have come off a '79 Rabbit engine. :D
Title: Re: Cracked water flange - 1.6D NA
Post by: tthayer on January 04, 2010, 12:54:32 pm
I ended up using the 2-sensor water neck from a 1.7l gasser. The outlet comes out the left side of the neck instead of the bottom, so it is a really tight fit around the back of the fuel pump. It won't last, but it'll last long enough for me to order the correct part from Jack in Ohio. It runs and drives (and doesn't leak)!
Now I just have to fix the brake pedal and the brake light switch and the wipers and the windshield sprayers and the seatbelts and the...