[Vwdiesel] 1985 1.6TD Jetta recently acquired

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/28/2006 5:52:37 PM Pacific Standard Time, 
mikel at buncombe.main.nc.us writes:

> 1).  I found a half container of Valvoline 10W-30 oil in the trunk, it's 
> a non-diesel rated  oil;
> if this is what the PO was running in the engine for its first 2,000  
> miles, is there any thing that could or should be done to correct any 
> problems that may have caused? ( I changed the filter and put in some 
> Shell Rotella 15W-40)

  Sounds like you did it already.  :-)  If the wrong oil was used 
all along then it'd contribute to accelerated cylinder, ring and 
bearing wear due to the carbon not being properly controlled. 
If it was actually overhauled (not a FULL overhaul at that price) 
then all should be fine for a good while with the bore the only 
factor left in whatever state it was in.

> 
> 2).  Since I don't know whether the head was ever re-torqued, would it 
> be wise to do so before I start putting any miles on it?  Could I 
> possibly cause any problems by doing so?

   Good thought but it'd be best to press the issue and find out how 
many retorques have been done for SURE.  (One after warm up, one 
after 600 miles.)  If it had Raceware/ARP or 11mm bolt then retorque 
away!  However it highly more than likely has the 12mm, original type 
stretch bolts and you really don't want to put an extra 90 degrees on it.
THAT'S what the retorque would be.

> 
> 3).  Judging from the reading I've been doing, the timing belt seems to 
> be properly tensioned, and
> doesn't seem to be showing any overt signs of impending failure, is it 
> possible that the belt could
> have 'plenty of life left in it', assuming that it was replaced during 
> the rebuild?  I guess there's no way to tell for sure, but thought I'd 
> ask in case there actually is a way.

  As said if it's shiny and looks worn, it'd be wise to replace it.  If 
it still has a roughish look to the flat side then you know it was 
replaced at overhaul.  Might see what you can find out there too!
A lot of hassle to replace if it's new, good insurance if you haven't 
a clue.  Too tight and you usually hear a whine from the belt.  Cold 
it should be just so that you almost wonder if it's just a tiny bit loose.

> 
> If you got this far, thanks for listening, and thanks in advance for any 
> insights / advice any of you may have to offer.
> 

  Injectors were probably his original problem.  If they weren't 
replaced then you're engine will be much happier for you with 
rebuilds.  At 190K they could still be originals and if so you'll 
really like what rebuilt ones will do!
     Loren