[Vwdiesel] '81 Rabbit questions

[Val Christian]

> 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.


	My ONLY continuous hot diesel engine was when I had
	a failed thermostat.  The valve on the back had the rivet fail,
	causing it to ingest into the waterpump, where it sat,
	precisely filling the intake of the pump.

	My suggestion is to find the problem, whether it's a thermostat,
	a collapsed hose, or whatever, before you have a cyl head 
	problem.

	BTW, heat in that car was great, until the circular plate/valve
	completely seated in the water pump inlet.  Then it was 
	too much.  It was 5F that night, and it was a bear to get 
	it home.  The cyl head gasket needed replacing.  Diagnosing 
	the problem was a bear.