Want to rebuild my 1.5L

[hipifreq]

I've got a 1980 Dasher with a tired old 1.5L diesel in it. I've been running biodiesel in it through new Viton lines that I installed, with regular fuel filter changes since the switch to B99.

It started fine in the warm weather, but now that the cooler mornings are here in the Pacific Northwest it starts hard in the morning. I'll crank it and it will fire and stop. I generally have to keep the starter engaged for about 5 seconds after it first fires in order to keep it going. Once it's warm there's really no problems. I haven't done a compression test (don't have the tools).

What I REALLY want to do is completely rebuild the engine. I know it'll take a long time, and I'm ready for that. I also know it'll take a lot of special tools.

What I'd like to ask the community is:

1 - About how much should I expect to pay to acquire the tools?
2 - Any suggestions on places to acquire the proper tools from? I've got the Bentley and with it the part numbers / sizes.
3 - What can I do NOW to help with the starting issues until I can get everything together to do the engine?

[jtanguay]

can i suggest something? just go with a 1.6TD  supposedly there is lots of them around, and much easier to find parts.  1.5 pistons aren't being manufactured anymore.

[rabbid79]

Check out Snap-on.  They have some of the tools.  You can also get genuine VW tools by calling Equipment Solutions at 1-800-892-9650.  This is where the dealers get their tools.  They're a lot cheaper than you might think, plus they have every tool mentioned in the Bentley.  I know there are a lot of other places that sell them, I just can't think of who they are right now.  While the 1.5 pistons may not be manufactured any more, it's not hard to find all four pistons for around $100.

As far as your cold starts, you could install a block heater, or a coolant heater.  Good luck.