[Vwdiesel] Misc '79 Rabbit questions

[mikitka]

Tony,

It has been years since I got rid of my 79 rabbit diesel.  I'm still new to
the VW world and learning every day from this list and the GTD forum.

Did you do a compression test on each cylinder before you pulled the engine?
That would help on identifying any really weak cylinders.

1. Changing out the intermediate shaft bearings is a must from what I have
read. These get the most abuse so to speak and are the weak link in the
oiling system. If they are worn you oil pressure will be low.

2. Pistons hitting the valves isn't new to these if someone let the timing
belt go at one time or timed it wrong. As long as the valves are not bent it
shouldn't be a problem. It is always a good idea to go back through the head
if you can. 

3. As for the head gasket thickness, I'm not sure there. Someone else on
here will know and answer that one. The main thing is to measure piston
protrusion at the top of the block to get the correct head gasket.

4. As for tranny fluid, synthetic you have two choices. Redlines MT-90 or
AMSOIL's MTG. They are both really good oils. Not sure on the Redlines price
but the AMSOIL's is $9.90qt. You will need 2qts. Again I'm still new and I
know the 5speed takes 2 so the 4speed should be fine with that as well. 

5. As for the rotors I think you can use the GTI rotors but not sure.
Someone on here should know.  How about it Loren? 

Sounds like your going through it really well. Heck you have gone this far
you might as well consider pulling the pistons and deglazing the cylinders
and putting in new rings if the cylinder measurements are not to bad in
wear. But if there isn't any or much signs of blowby you might be ok. 

I wish I would have kept my 70. I like that body style and if I would have
known then what I do now I would not have gotten rid of it. These are simple
to work on. Back then I was only 19 and didn't realize how easy it was.

One other place for answers is http://www.vwdiesel.net/phpBB/index.php there
is a ton of information on that forum.

Nick

I've pulled the engine and trans, then seperated them. I'm replacing
everything on the engine that is generally considered maint, plus a few
things. So far, I've done the oil pan gasket, rear main, clutch, cleaned and
inspected the oil pump and pick up tube. I've rebuilt the vac pump. I've
also replaced the front main and intermediate shaft seals. Which brings me
to:

        1. The front of the intermediate shaft was pretty messed up where it
meets the front bearing and the cap that holds it in. It had a bunch of
carbon looking stuff chunked up on the cap. I cleaned it out, and other than
that, and half of the front (thrust) surface being gone, it appears ok. Is
this common? I'd say from the looks of it, it was starved of oil at some
point in the past (go figure in a diesel).

        2. Upon removal of the head, it appears that the pistons have come
in contact with the valves, but not now (more like in the past). There are
no cracks between the valves, however. There is also a slight ridge in the
cylinders, but the air filter isn't very oily at all. I'll keep my fingers
crossed.

        3. The old head gasket had four notches (it looked like three on the
car), and I ordered one with three. Is there an easy way to check clearance,
and what is the difference in thousanths (or mm) for each notch on the head
gasket? I also have some pics of the pistons, hoping to post them shortly.

        4. What trans fluid should I use? I'd prefer synthetic if possible.

        5. This car has the stock solid front rotors. Is it possible to use
the GTI rotors with the smaller GTI pads on these calipers, or do the
calipers have to be changed?

I'm planning to replace all the coolant hoses, the valve, the heater core,
and the cable. I'm replacing the hose for the vac pump feed, all the gaskets
and seals. Also doing the clutch, all CV boots, trans oil, the compoete
shifter ball and socket and all the bushings. Doing the TB, WP and
thermostat, the fuel lines and plug on the last injector. Contemplating
doing the injectors (rebuilt they are about $45 each) and having the pump
rebuilt ($450 locally). Anything else I might be missing that should be done
would be greatly appreciated. Oh, I'm also doing all the filters, and
already did the brake fluid. Suspension and brakes will be done in the
spring.


Thanks in advance,

Tony Hoffman
Oklahoma City
5 Audi's, 2 VW diesels, and 2 Ford E-vans
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