[Vwdiesel] My Diesels Story

[Stephen Kraus]

I have a 1989 VW Jetta TD, an awesome little car, but has recieved almost NO
maintenance since it was built.
Finally about 3 weeks ago everything went to shit....however my wife and I
are quite fond of our gas bill and car.
So off to the local mechanics I go, as they let me use a lift for free.
First things first, the fuel injection pump went out.
Take out all the injectors and the pump and send them on their way to the
local diesel shop!
Next! Take out the engine, re-hone the cylinders, replace the head gasket,
test for compression, replace the valve cover with a fresh new one (from
their junkpile in the back), replace all the glow plugs, and replace all the
O-rings.
Woot!
Next, replace the clutch, machine the clutch disk and flywheel.
Done and done!
Week 2, injectors and pump return, reinstall and begine the wonderful and
exciting timing run!
Woops! We have a problem!
The key on the cranshaft and crankshaft gear snap! OH NO!
No fear! One of the mechanics suggests drilling a hole through the gear and
into the cranshaft head, and then placing a metal dowel through it.
Problem solved, without having to replace a costly cranshaft and gear. I
will replace it eventually, but for now this will do (I'm a college student,
I can only do so much ^_^)
It also snapped the old timing belt, so tommorrow we buy and install a brand
new one.
Next projects:
Replace the timing belt and gears with a timing chain and gears.
Convert to AWD

I'll grab some pictures tommorrow and post the project


-- 
Stephen T. Kraus Jr.
Systems Administrator
Sofix Corporation
2800 Riverport Rd.
Chattanooga, TN 37406
Work: (423)624-3500 x111
Cell: (423) 227-6480
UB3RATL4Sf00 at gmail.com SKraus at sofix.net