[Vwdiesel] Re: TDI vs. ECO

[Sandy Cameron]

At 10:44 AM 17/12/04 EST, you wrote:
>
>> Hi all, it is approaching the time when we will probably leave our older 
>> Type II VWs behind and start to learn about the TDIs,

Well, I have started to inventory A2's, I have 4 at the moment, and a 94 A3.

The idea of being at the mercy of a computer controling my engine frightens
me. I'm sure it can be brought in to submission, but I don't really want to
drive with a lap-top on the pass. seat.

At 70, like Hagar, I would prefer to finish my driving career in something I
can fix at the side of the road. I like the A3, simple indirect injection,
1.9L, nice for road trips., but back windows don't work any more, and lots
of other "Hecho en Mexico" electrics have quit, including, fortunately, the
alarm., Who needs them?

The early AAZ's had a problem with the crankshaft pulley/harmonic
balancer/sprocket shearing its key and trashing the valves and head. I've
got 200,000km on mine and still ok. There was a silent recall for a special
overruning clutch pulley for the alternator that helps this problem and
reduces wear on the serpentine belt tensioner. I have the pulley, but have
not installed it yet. If you ask, they will sell it to you. I think it's
standard on later alternators.
Also, NEVER loosen the center crankshaft bolt.... When doing the timing
belt, just remove the 4 pulley screws to gain access.

Now that I have 4 A2's, and a bunch of extra parts, "special tools" etc, and
a heated shop, I think I'll try to keep them going as long as possible for
daily driving and local trips.

We have a lot of open country around here that I like to drive, and if it
gets too populated, I'll move out farther. One of the advantages of
retirement. Strike a ballance between rural seclusion, and distance to the
nearest hospital :-)

Sandy