[Vwdiesel] 89 Jetta D Harsh Ride

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

Thanks to all who replied to my request for help in solving the harsh ride 
problem. I now have about three levels of modification of the suspension 
and tires and wheels that have a very good chance of being wise and 
effective moves.

I casually mentioned apparently getting 54 mpg in my rather brief initial 
test of fuel efficiency. That calculation was based on measurements that 
are open to question. The miles were determined by using Mapquest to 
display the distances for all the trips that constituted the travel. This 
was to avoid using the car's odometer, which I didn't trust because the 
speedometer function was 10 miles per hour slow in the range of zero to 70.

The gallons were based on staring with a fill-up of the 14.7 gallon rated 
tank, and a reading of a needle-width more than half full when the 
calculation was made.  Half of 14.7 is 7.35, and (a needle-width less than 
that) I estimated at 7 gallons used. So, the amount of fuel was an eye-ball 
estimate, subject to the accuracy and eccentricities of a 21 year old fuel 
gauge.

The VWdiesel list has shown unexpected interest in my comment about the 
apparent good fuel mileage of this car, so I'm going to make an effort to 
collect the best measurements that I can obtain and report them.

A better way to measure amount of fuel consumed would be filling the tank 
until the automatic shut-off stops the fill, and then refilling the tank 
(the same way at the same pump) when the fuel gauge shows the tank to be 
almost empty....and using the pump numbers to determine gallons used.

I am keeping a log of dates and times and destinations, to determine miles 
traveled.

The skepticism shown by list members is both justified and welcome, 
regardless of how it was expressed. I am equally skeptical, having never 
gotten more than about 40 mpg with any of my 3 earlier VW diesels ( 82 
Jetta D-na, 84 Rabbit D-na, and 85 Jetta TD.) And I was really very pleased 
to have gotten 40 mpg with those cars.  That is why I mentioned the unusual 
numbers in my newly-acquired ride.

I would not be surprised at all if that figure dropped toward 40 mpg over a 
much longer trial period, especially with cold weather approaching.

I'd also like to mention that Hagar is a very dedicated diesel enthusiast 
who is alive but not very well in the Canadian NorthWest and who is 
currently engaged in a courageous and stubborn battle with cancer. You can 
all offer him your prayers and/or best wishes by email to <svendmogens at shaw.ca>

Like my 89 Jetta, Hagar displayed a harsh and abrasive on-line persona at 
times, but with the help and considerable good humor and forgiveness of the 
list, I personally hope that he might consider rejoining our jolly group. 
He has weathered his banishment remarkably well, although his daily pain, 
medication and weakened condition make it difficult for him to type.

I am very grateful for all the replies that I have received, because they 
ALL contained valuable view points and experiences far beyond my own narrow 
world, and ,collectively, they VASTLY expanded my ability to cope with 
these diesel problems. Thanks for riding with me.

Doyt