[Vwdiesel] A few newbie questions

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

> 1) It seems from reading Bentleys and from reading this list that I need
>  a compression gauge that will do 500 psi or better.  Any suggestions?
>  Any known junk to avoid?

  You do indeed need a DIESEL compression tester.  A gas one is only
good for maybe 230psi.  Your diesel won't even start with compression
like that!  :)
  Someone on ebay sells/used to sell gauges that came in for $30 to
$50 most of the time.  Seem fine, price is good and it comes with a
few adapters.  Unless they've caught the typo, they almost always
had gauge misspelled as "guage".  Easy search word.  :)
>
>  2) When the car shows up, what should I be certain to do?  It seems like
>  changing the timing belt is good insurance at least.  Changing the oil
>  and coolant seems prudent.  I suspect we'll decide to change the brake
>  fluid as well.  What else should I be considering?

  Maybe the waterpump and some front seals while you have the timing
belt off.  Cam, intermediate shaft and main seals are all the same seal
and do tend to start leaking with age.  The motor mount that is in the
injector pump mount bracket may be getting soft or totally bad and is
worth at least checking if not replacing while everything's off.  Be sure
you use a diesel rated oil.  It'll have a C* rating rather than just an S*
such as SF, SG or such.
  Inspect your e-brake cables, glow plug fuse, check that all glow plugs
work, air filter is clean, maybe new fuel filter.  At least drain any water
out of it.  Adjust valve clearances.  It takes shims and special tools.  :(
     Loren