[Vwdiesel] '81 Rabbit questions

[B & R Decker]

Hi Rolf;
	There have been many suggestions and most of them are possibilities.
I will add what I think might be a couple more possibilities.

1 running hot:
Running hot is usually not a problem with a diesel in the winter. Most of
the time you will be struggling to get a decent operating temperature. Is
the fan cycling properly? Perhaps the pump or engine timing is off. Are the
valves adjusted properly? You stated you were running at highway speeds and
backed off to 55. Perhaps especially if you have a four speed you were
running a little harder than the 52 horse diesel could stand especially if
it is poorly tuned. When I get a Rabbit diesel I usually (almost always)
first change the timing belt (it breaks you bend valves) then check the
valve adjustment and set the pump timing. There are many make believe
mechanics out there and it is amazing the stupid things they many times have
done to the little diesels.

Key lock:
Door handles are prone to failure and easily replaceable. You are lucky that
the one door that locks is on the drivers side. Usually is it is the other
way around. If you are on the cheap just take the tumbler out of the
passenger side slip in your key and file off the offending tumblers. The
more you file off the more keys that would fit but at least yours will fit.
At this stage what is the chance that someone is going to try to steal a
Rabbit!!!
Brian Decker


-----Original Message-----
From: vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com [mailto:vwdiesel-bounces at vwfans.com] On
Behalf Of Rolf Pechukas
Sent: Sunday, December 16, 2007 4:56 PM
To: vwdiesel at vwfans.com
Subject: [Vwdiesel] '81 Rabbit questions

new-to-me 26-yr-old Rabbit with a handful of issues
thought I'd throw them there:

1. running HOT
yesterday on the highway got up into the red
got out, checked her over thoroughly, topped up coolant
made it the rest of the way driving @ 55
but still flirting with the red
and few minutes ago the oil light was a faint dull red for a minute  
or two after a short local drive
possibly oil filter? oil pressure? hate to admit I haven't put a new  
filter on there since I bought it

2. leak
don't know if this is related, but where the PCV hose comes into the  
air filter it's wet on top of the filter housing - I assume oil, but  
maybe had a little diesel smell to it?
excessive blow-by?
head gasket?
but the coolant has no sign of oil
anyway, damp up there

3. klunk
OK, on to the suspension
pass side gives an alarming clunk occasionally going over bumps or  
around corners - anytime flexing of or shock to the frame
not sure whether from or rear - SOUNDS like front when I'm driving,  
but when I get out and shake the tires I hear it in the rear
any ideas what this might be/where I should look?

4. door locks
driver's side door will not lock w/ the key
I have to reach in from the passenger's side to lock or unlock
how to fix?


I'm sure there's more, but this off the top of my head
thanks for any thoughts
-- 

Rolf in MA
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