[Vwdiesel] Convert 1.9TD to spark?

[Harmon Seaver]

jester at westfailure.net wrote:
>
> On Mon, 21 Jan 2002, Harmon Seaver wrote:
>
> >   Any idea how hard it would be to convert a 1.9TD to spark ignition? I
> > want to make a woodgas fueled genset with one. Woodgas needs high
> > compression, so diesel makes a better base than a gas engine. I figure
> > making some sparkplug inserts to fit the injector holes (or glow plug
> > holes??) would be easy, but what about a distributor?
> Well,
>
> I'd say you are much better off with a gas VW head... they will bolt onto
> a diesel bottom end.

   Wouldn't that lose a lot of compression tho? I'd like to keep it as
high as possible, maybe even add a bigger turbo.

>
> The gas & diesel blocks are very similar, you can stuff a dizzy in the
> diesel block (at least the 1.6) with a change in intermediate shaft.

  Does anyone know if this is possible with the 1.9 block? Better yet,
is there a web site showing a parts breakdown picture of the two
engines?

>
> I wouldnt use a TDI though, too expensive, and the combustion chamber is
> inside the piston, a recipie for a mess with gasoline.

  No, you're right, too expensive, and if I'm going to pay more money,
I'd go for a bigger engine too, like a 2.5-3L. I'm looking at the 1.9TD
mostly because of price/availibility/ease of conversion to spark, etc.


>
> A 1.8 or 2.0 16v bottom end with a 8v head gives you 14:1 or so, and there
> may be room to mill the head/deck the block for more... and with an 8v
> head, you already have injector pockets etc.

   14:1 is barely acceptable, I'd prefer 22:1 or higher. And I don't
know what use the injector pockets would be.


--
Harmon Seaver
CyberShamanix
http://www.cybershamanix.com