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Engine Specific Info and Questions => IDI Engine => Topic started by: Rising on March 02, 2012, 01:22:49 pm
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Hello all! I just purchased my first Mk1 and my first VW!! I'm brand new to Volkswagen and Rabbits but I've been a part of the subaru community for a couple years now. I don't spend alot of time posting on forums, but i spend a ton of time reading all the information that has already out there!
My new car is a 1984 Rabbit Diesel with only 115,000 Miles on it! I picked it up for 650$ off of a guy up in Delaware because it needs some work to be on the road again and he didn't have time for it. The car had two sets of a rims and tires with it and a box full of tools and parts, but is missing pretty much the whole front end. The engine runs good but the clutch cable is messed up/broken/disconnected. So I haven't had a chance to drive it yet, but i'm sure it will be great!
But anyway i'm making this car into a daily driver but i need some advice:
What parts should I replace as preventative maintenance before I start driving the car? I am brand new to volkswagen and diesels and I want to clean the car up and really give her a good life so I want to make sure i don't miss anything to start out. I'm planning on changing the oil, changing the timing belt, changing the air filter, and whatever else i come across that needs fixing. She's getting a brand new battery and clutch cable to start out with. But is there anything else problematic i should look into?
Also I'm planning on eventually swapping on a turbo set up. Now i've read several threads ("Make your NA Diesel (non turbo) a faster car, more power out of 1.6td, more power out of 1.9td, the faq section, and a few others) concerning this swap and getting power out of these engines and I think i have a basic idea of what will be involved. But just to double check, here's my plans:
Goal: 100hp @ 15-20psi?
New Plans:
Modified Gasser Intake Manifold
VNT-15 w/integrated exhaust manifold
Turbo Oil Pan
Turbo Oil Pump
Oil Lines
Volvo Oil Cooler
Intercooler + Piping(Need help deciding on this)
Governor Mod/Other IP Mods (Advanced timing ect.)
EGT and Boost Gauges
Keep the EGT's Under 1200 and enjoy?
I think that pretty much sums up what I need to get the swap working. (to my understanding). Now i could probably get most of this as stock parts from a td turbo swap ( i think there is one for sale on the forum) but then once i do that i'm probably going to want to get some different manifolds or something else to tweak, so i'd rather just start with a good setup and spend some money now to have a decent build starting off.
Are my goals reasonable?
Does my build sound reasonable?
Will the transmission/clutch be okay with that much power change?
I'm just looking for help in what direction to go so that I don't end up making a bunch of newbie mistakes and regretting it later. Also any suggested reading is always appreciated. I'd actually rather just read than post but I thought I'd introduce myself and get some ideas :)
Anyway! Any help would be great! And I look forward to being a part of this community!
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Why hello there! Nice to see another new face around here. Your rabbit sounds nice; do you have any pics of it to put up so we can see what you're playing with? How's the body? Is the interior in good serviceable condition? Can I make a guess that it's a beige 4-door? We've had a rash of them showing up lately, mine included. :P
Sounds like you have most of the bases covered with preventative maintenance parts. But before performing some of the larger services e.e. the timing belt, I suggest you pick up the factory VW rabbit service manual
from robert bentley publishers. This is what we here on the forums colloquially refer to as the 'Bentley Manual' or 'Bentley'. It will show you of any specific procedures and tools that you need to accomplish some of the heavier jobs, such as diesel injection pump timing, deciding your cylinder head gasket size, and all the way to engine and trans rebuild specs. One more thing though; check out your cooland and make sure it has no oil in it. It shouw if you have either a bad head gasket, warped head, or worse an internally cracked block, again mine included. :(
I'm out of tiem. Will post about you build goals later. Or somebode else will beat me to it. Welcome! ;D
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Hey! Thanks for the warm welcome! And it is actually not beige or a four door! But I almost wish it was! Haha. It needs some work! Namely the front end needs replaced, and the clutch cable and it needs a heck of a cleaning! But anyway here are the only pics I have of it so far! It's currently parked at the in laws until i can put it together to drive it home so I won't have more pics probably till next weekend :(
(http://s15.postimage.org/wfz5iq113/5_Lc5_G35_M73m93_F93_Jdc2k11629b9042ed1659.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/wfz5iq113/)
(http://s13.postimage.org/rj695g59f/5_Ne5_G55_J63_K13_Ff3_Iec2kb460e9a0c6e218e2.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/rj695g59f/)
(http://s16.postimage.org/naqsouxmp/5_Ib5_H85_Jd3k23_Ff3_Nac2k6c57ec93e85a1753.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/naqsouxmp/)
Anyway so that's it! The body seems really good except for that little missing front end. The guy was apparently half way through converting it to round euro lights when he stopped. So i'm trying to source a radiator support to either finish the conversion or restore it back to squares but they are pretty hard to find in my area :(
The only other thing that bothers me is the paint. Usually i'm not picky about paint but this is not stock paint. This is some guys idea of a super cool blue which is really just not my style. I would have loved faded stock paint any day over sonic the hedgehog blue. But it'll work for now. The car was originally dark red (as evidenced by the interior metal and the engine bay.) And I really like the idea of getting back to a red car. But I'm decided on what to do as far as that is concerned.
The interior seems really nice and is all together so far as I can see. The seats have covers and seem pretty torn up underneath but the dash and all the door cards are in good shape as is the backseat. These cars are really suprisingly comfortable and roomy! I thought I was going to be hitting my head all mashed up in it, but it has way more room than my Impreza. I like it more and more every time i see it :)
Sorry I keep writing books but thanks for taking the time to read and respond! (i'm just excited about my new rabbit :))
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Rising You be Welcome only if you paint that rig Beige. We need a threesome. Seems like that should be sign up criteria, got beige colored car? Good! You IN.
So looks like you have a big need for front end parts. But at the price you paid for the car you should have the pocket cash to go Junking. Not sure how well supplied you are on that. I would work and spend money on the mechanical parts first and then go to the paint and interior stuff. With one exception. Drivers seating area. Any problem with that seat I would fix it, any problem with the mirror adjustments, door card, handles or window cranks fix em. You need to be comfortable in the driver mode. Fiddling with things that are loose and or broken are a distraction and driving this car is going to be way different than the Impreza.
Prowl the Craigslistings in your drivable area. I have scored good deals on body kit, seats, rims and snowtires in the recent months. I am slowly bringing an 81 back to nice or better condition. Not stock mind you, just nice.
Again Welcome, DAS
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Rising You be Welcome only if you paint that rig Beige. We need a threesome. Seems like that should be sign up criteria, got beige colored car? Good! You IN.
i believe that my original beige one, and the 2 fairly fresh ones make that a 3some.. lol.
and judging by his interior, im gonna say it USED TO be beige..
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R.O.R. That is what I thought as well but he said it was dark red on the interior and under the hood. I was thinking new members needed to have tan cars not you old dog.
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R.O.R. That is what I thought as well but he said it was dark red on the interior and under the hood. I was thinking new members needed to have tan cars not you old dog.
lol..
well, lets find someone to take over my old beige rabbit, and we can make them a new user..
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Rising You be Welcome only if you paint that rig Beige. We need a threesome. Seems like that should be sign up criteria, got beige colored car? Good! You IN.
i believe that my original beige one, and the 2 fairly fresh ones make that a 3some.. lol.
and judging by his interior, im gonna say it USED TO be beige..
I suppose if I HAVE to to be in the club.... ;D But I'm really fairly convinced it was medium/dark red. I'll take some more pics once I get this thing back together! But who knows what the guy did. ::)
So the quest for front end parts continues! I called every junk yard in the northern virginia area and only one of them had a golf or cabriole and they wanted 150$ for the radiator support and 100$ a piece for fenders! Which i think is a bit ridiculous for a pick a part place. Especially considering this: http://www.aptuning.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=1587&category_id=1020&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=14
Anyone ever ordered from them before? 150 Shipped for a brand new radiator support seems a whole heck of alot better than paying 150 for a possibly rusted out one or damaged one. And the fenders brand new on there are only 100 a piece too! Anyway I'm running out of options and I need one on the quick! But i'd rather not pay a ton if i don't have to. Any other ideas? I checked craigslist, vwvortex, here, every junkyard in delaware and northern virginia.. i'm running out of options. And i need it by next weekend!
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http://baltimore.craigslist.org/pts/2774975636.html
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http://baltimore.craigslist.org/pts/2774975636.html
damn, we get whole cabbys for that much on this side of the country.. running/driving..
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http://baltimore.craigslist.org/pts/2774975636.html
I could possibly do that if I get my impreza sold, but that leaves me in an awkward situation with two cars that don't run and a sold car that does. Haha. I may just order the new radiator support.
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the ad sez make an offer, you could take what you need and part the rest probably wouldn't have too much into it by the time you were done. low ball em, the wurst he can do is say no.
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Well the guy still hasn't responded to my inquiry about that far so that's a no go too. I guess I'll just order that.
Anyone want to help me out with my build goals? Also I've heard stock curb weight is about 1980 or so? Any confirmation of this?
Sent from my ADR6400L
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The only other thing that bothers me is the paint. Usually i'm not picky about paint but this is not stock paint. This is some guys idea of a super cool blue which is really just not my style. I would have loved faded stock paint any day over sonic the hedgehog blue. But it'll work for now. The car was originally dark red (as evidenced by the interior metal and the engine bay.) And I really like the idea of getting back to a red car. But I'm decided on what to do as far as that is con
Kinda agree with you on the paint, I love blue, but for some reason that color on your rabbit reminds me of a hot wheel! Looks like a nice complete car, look forward to your progress!
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Yeah the blue is driving me nuts! Ooh well. I'll deal with it after I have the car together.
Speaking of which I just ordered the new core support! Does it get welded or riveted on?
Sent from my ADR6400L
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Depends on if you want it to fall off or not. Welding is the way it was done when it was built so you might try to simulate that. No welder? Now you need b and b. beer and buddies. Buddies need to weld not drink.
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Thanks that's perfect. The previous owner told me I needed to rivet it but that didn't sound right. I've got almost everything ordered to put the front end back together. Now we'll see if I can get this thing home so I can get her cleaned out and tuned up for daily driving!
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Please tell me you are retaining the squares!
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Please tell me you are retaining the squares!
I wanted to but I can't find a support for sale for the sqaures :( The only option I came across that fit my time frame/budget was apt tunings replacement round core support.
And it's not really retaining the sqaures since the guy already cut this car apart :( I'm just trying to get it back together So i can drive it :( But I could still send the round core support back/possibly cancel it if someone has a spare sqaure support they want to sell me!
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Update: got a couple pics from the mother in law today. Just close Ups of the engine bay for me to determine what I need to get this thing together.
I was worried it didn't have the fan assembly. So I think all I need is the core support headlights and turn signals and battery... that and a freaking wire tuck. These engine bays are so cluttered!!!
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After all the work and money I've been putting in to try and get this thing drivable... I find this http://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/cto/2891034439.html
cheaper.. And in one piece... Dang it..
Sent from my ADR6400L
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You'd be dumping money into that one too. Love the one you've got. ;D
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I just love pictures that are too dark or glared to see anything about the item on CL posts. If you ask for additional pics they send the same ones they used on the ad. Makes me wonder if they really care to sell the item or not.
Keep working on that original you have. Lusting after others just fills up the front yard. Ask some of the members here about that.
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Yeah I guess so ::)
Well I sold my impreza! (thanks to a craigslist AD with clear pictures) So my project fund just grew by quite a bit :-) time to get this thing on the road! I found a clipper kit on vwvortex for cheap that im picking up to get a front bumper and that situation fixed up. I can't wait to start working on this thing and getting her all cleaned up. :-)
Still no comments on my build goals... Maybe they are too far fetched :-(
Sent from my ADR6400L
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We are not chiming in there because your first build goal is right in front of you. Get it running well first then we will talk about modifying what you have. We just might not have explictily told you that.
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Okay so speaking of getting this thing running as a number one priority. Can someone please help me figure out a way to get the clutch cable free from the stupid clutch pedal? I've been messing with it for about two hours. It just seems completely impossible to dislodge. I've tried almost everything and I feel like im so so close but I just can't get it off the hook. Is there something im missing everything online says this is supposed to be a 30 minute job.
I'm pushing up and back on the clip with the clutch pedal fully depressed and then slowly pulling the clutch pedal out and it won't come off.
Sent from my ADR6400L
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Okay so I got the clutch cable changed out and got to drive the car for the first time!!! This thing is great. I love it already. However I need some help with a few things to get it on the road.
1. The engine seems pretty shaky at idle and vibrates pretty much the whole car. I'm not sure if that is normal for diesels or not but its definitely different. The engine starts up and drives smooth and fine though.
2. There is a noise in the rear end. Kind of a clunking noise that increases with speed from the rear right tire area. I didn't notice it until after I changed to the other set of rims. Does anyone know what this could be?
3. also the oil pressure light came on and off once or twice right before I shut the car off. But the next time I started it it didn't come on. But I might've been looking at the wrong light. Does the oil light also make a buzzing noise?
Sent from my ADR6400L
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Okay so I got the clutch cable changed out and got to drive the car for the first time!!! This thing is great. I love it already. Yep it just infects us you know that now. However I need some help with a few things to get it on the road.
1. The engine seems pretty shaky at idle and vibrates pretty much the whole car. I'm not sure if that is normal for diesels or not but its definitely different. The engine starts up and drives smooth and fine though. Shaking can come from several sources, bad motor mounts, improperly aligned engine and transmission, to low of an idle. and misfiring of a cylinder or two. Each problem requires a different fix. Source out the engine/mount problem first and if you raise the idle does it shake less. Have a tach for it?
2. There is a noise in the rear end. Kind of a clunking noise that increases with speed from the rear right tire area. I didn't notice it until after I changed to the other set of rims. Does anyone know what this could be? I would look at tightening the wheel studs and possibly a bearing problem. Other reasons I have heard it go clunk are brake shoes not centered or something loose inside the wheel. Try jacking up the car and spinning each rear wheel as fast as you can. Got a good 1/2 inch drill with a grinding wheel on it? Use it to spin the tire. I know it is noisy by you might get it going and turn off the drill and still hear something. When it is up on the jack stands or otherwise solid non tippable elevators grab the top of the wheel and see if you can rock it. Same with a grab at 3 and 9 positions for a side to side movement. Bearings loose?
3. also the oil pressure light came on and off once or twice right before I shut the car off. But the next time I started it it didn't come on. But I might've been looking at the wrong light. Does the oil light also make a buzzing noise? There is another thread going right now that links to Vince's tutorial on oil pressure lights and buzzers. Look about. That is my think for now.
Sent from my ADR6400L
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Thanks for all your help! Really I feel bad asking so many questions. I'm still learning how to find stuff around these forums and I'm still just too new to these cars to start diving in without research first. ::)but i did get some stuff figured out.
1. Okay so the engine seems to be perfectly smooth so long as i give it a tiny bit of Gas. So I thought the idle might be the issue. So I looked into raising it a smidge and I couldn't find my 10mm wrench to adjust the little idle stop so i thought i might try adjusting the lever itself for some reason. Anyway I quickly decided I didn't want to mess with that and just do it right after i find my wrench and when i tightened everything back up and started it it ran fine! So i must have nudged the idle the slightest bit higher in the process. And it seems great. I don't have a tach for it but I want to work on that after i get it running and on the road.
2. I figured out the rear noise as well. I jacked the car up and spun the wheel and the wheel would only go about 7/8th of the way in one direction before encountering resistance for a little bit and then continuing. So i started taking the lug studs off and noticed that the previous owner had used a special lock lug stud (one of those you use to prevent rim theifs) on the other set of rims and apparently they are a little longer than the normal studs. So i put one of the extras i had back in it's place on all four wheels and walla! The tires can spin freely now!
3. So this is my only remaining issue (besides the front end being completely apart and the front brake squeeking a bit). I read the thread you mentioned and the article that was linked. And here's what i'm figuring out.
The low pressure unit isn't connected to the buzzer and only the light correct?
And the High pressure sensor doesn't come into play until 2000 rpms right?
SO why is my oil pressure light on and the buzzer sounding at idle and even throughout the Rpm range? That doesn't make alot of sense to me. So i'm thinking it might be a faulty wire or something somewhere since it can't really be high oil pressure at idle right?
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Killer man, you got 2 out of 3 and I don't have that silly buzzer system so I am going to have to let someone that does pick this up. At least you have the mechanical ones down. Sounds like something is not sending the right signals here or a wire is shorting out.
Glad to have helped as I could. Now someone help him out with the audio nasty.
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Yep. Sourced a mig welder to hopefully get this front end together soon.
Anyone have an idea about this oil light?
Sent from my ADR6400L
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Well this is certainly a blast from the past! Thanks to all who helped me out and steered me in the right direction when I really had no clue what I was doing. This is a great forum!
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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http://www.rsjparts.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=29_30&osCsid=24c0e3a748e9c10564d056f986aab2ac
core support 146.99 new
fenders 104.00 new
new grill and emblem on the samba or MK1 AUTOHAUS