[Vwdiesel] It runs!!! :-)

[Shawn Wright]

I spent the morning fiddling with wiring for gauges, GP relay, etc., so just before 
dinner, I decided I was ready to try starting my TD. I primed the oil pump, and was 
pleased to see oil pressure at the head within 10 seconds of turning with a drill, and I 
could easily get 40 psi before oil started splashing in the hole. I then filled the fuel 
filter, but since all the lines were dry, I expected it would take a while to prime the 
pump (I know, I could have filled the pump by hand, but I don't like putting unfiltered 
fuel in there). My starting battery was a little weak, so I added a spare and cranked 
with two to get it going. It took maybe 60-90 seconds of cranking total, in 3-4 tries 
before it fired. After 5-10 seconds of rough idle, it evened out very nicely. Even with 
no intake and no exhaust, I was surprised how quiet and smooth it sounded. I ran it 
for 10-15 minutes or so, then did the 1/4 turn on the head bolts.I had an oil leak from 
the turbo supply line, and oil seepage from the dipstick (missing o-ring), but 
otherwise, all looks good. Still a lot of loose ends to tie up, but I hope to do that 
tomorrow, and take spin around the block! It is almost 11 months since she was last 
driven, and closer to 3 years since this engine was last driven...

What a sweet sound! :-)

Shawn Wright
http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/~swright
'85 Jetta D 
'88 Westy 2.1L, soon to be 1.6TD 5 speed
 (see progress at http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels)
'82 Diesel Westy