[Vwdiesel] 2500km TD rebuild report

[Shawn Wright]

I'm now at about 2700km since my 1.6TD rebuild. While it is running well, I 
am still worried that something is not quite right with the rings. I recall 
during the first 100kms or so that I had very little blowby. Now I have 
significant blowby, both hot and cold while at idle. I would say the amount 
is similar to my 300k km Jetta NA, perhaps even more.
That it also takes several seconds of cranking to start when hot (starts 
much better whenever GPs are on) also suggests low compression. I've 
heard that ring seating can take a while, but is not normal to experience an 
increase in blow-by like this?
I'm concerned that I've either broken a ring, or they are somehow 
collapsed and not sealing against the walls, perhaps from overheating?

I suppose I should just do a compression check and find out, but I'm 
almost afraid to see the results.

Any ideas appreciated...Shawn Wright
http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/~swright
'85 Jetta D 
'88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed
 (see progress at http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels)
'82 Diesel Westy