[Vwdiesel] UPDATE: top speed for 82 Rabbit 1.6L NA

[Mark Laplante]

Uh-oh....It was 39F when I left work at 7am this morning. Glowed it, cranked it, seemed to fire up, died when I let go of the key. Turned key back on, waited for glow light to go out (yes, I realize it is only an estimate), cranked, same result -- runs a second or two and dies when starter released. On the third try I kept the starter engaged a few seconds, pressed the accelerator a tad, and it kept running. I'm afraid this is bad for the starter though. Think I have a bad glow plug?

Also, the cold start knob pulls out about halfway smoothly, then gets stiff and takes some extra force to get it out the rest of the way. To the point where the knob flexes and I am afraid I am going to split the rubber. Where should I lubricate it, and with what? Or is that how it is supposed to be?

I haven't messed with the fueling screw yet -- I think I should resolve the cold start issue first.

I did hook up a vacuum line for the HVAC controls to the vacuum check valve between the vacuum pump and brake booster. One of the outlets had a rubber plug on it, so I pulled that off and put on the vacuum hose. I get brief vacuum noses when changing from Vent or Heat to Defrost and back (no noise between vent and heat). When I turn the car off, I can hear a slight hissing that sounds like it is coming from the vicinity of the heater controls. I'm not sure I have a good enough vacuum to actually move the flaps in the airbox. The brakes do not seem affected.

Other interesting notes....mileage on the last tank was down to around 38 mpg -- a result of lots of full throttle highway runs? Since getting the timing belt work done, I've pushed it a lot harder than my first tank (47mpg) when I didn't trust it not to self destruct. Most 0-60 accelerations involve full throttle and shifting right before the dots on the speedometer at least through 3rd gear. I usually shift to 4th around 50-55 mph. It's more fun that way 8^). I am able to get 72-80 mph top speed on the highway depending on the grade. Still have trouble with SUVs getting in the way.

Mark