[Vwdiesel] Am I Nuts?

[Nate Wall]

I just made an e-Bay impulse purchase yesterday. This is one thing I
won't share with the wife. I found a BRAND NEW (NOS), not rebuilt
Garrett turbocharger for a 1.6 L VW diesel, same part number as mine. I
hit the "buy it now". I paid $450. It has everything on it, including
the wastegate.

Its owner said the turbo was sitting in a repair shop in its VW box
(with plastic plugs in the holes) for 20 years and the shop just closed.
Its sure a pretty sight; you ought to see the photos of it.

All I know is that for grins, ten years ago I called a VW dealer and
asked them how much a rebuilt turbo was for my '85 Jetta TD. They told
me VW did not sell rebuilt turbos, but they did sell new ones. The price
was $2,600.00!!!!! Also, three years ago when I rebuilt my turbo, I paid
$375  for the remanufactured cartridge, so I figured I couldn't go
wrong.

I'm not sure if I'm going to install the turbo, or just keep it as a
spare "just in case" If I never need it, I figure I can at least get
what I paid for it.

BTW, I saw a brand new IDI VW TD injection pump on e-bay once, but did
not bid because I could not verify that it was from an automotive engine
and not an industrial engine (they have different governors). These
things occassionally do turn up. I also saw a brand new diesel head
once.

--Nate