[Vwdiesel] winter update, and something else

[Travis .]

I think my 81 rabbit car was burning coolant when I firs bought it in Wyoming. It was getting low on coolant and if it sat for more then a day it was rather white in start up smoke as well as loosing coolant. I rebuilt that motor and then I replaced with a 1.9 aaz engine thinking I was cursed on that engine. Turns out the radiator didn't have the baffle to make the coolant double pass through the radiator. Don't know about the rest of the engine but it is sold and long gone. Wasn't the 12 mm head bolts anyways. 

As far as the rubber valve gasket-get it. AAZ has it stock and I put on both the 1.6 NA engines (now just one in the truck). I bought on ebay for around $45. The two things that save you is there isn't separation between surfaces and the cork compresses and should be re-torqued and NOT-reused.  

Update on the 04 Golf. I accepted the offer on advise from several on this list so they don't "black list" me for getting only a few more $$ out of the deal. I feel it was far so I can't complain. I used baking soda on the engine bay and then washed it off (since baking soda has sodium-salt in it). That should take care of the battery acid. 

I finally was able to use my brothers knowledge rather then just him using mine. He says the Honda mini-van is one of the best so I have narrowed it down to the 04-newer that will seat 8 people. Not in a HUGE rush to get since I do have a working Dodge Ram I bought for $480 that works great since I bought 2 years ago and once summer hits the Rabbits can get me around as well. That gives me extra time to save more if needed as well as research. 

I think I have freaked my brother out as he is looking to replace his starter as it gave him trouble a few times and he thinks his car will start on fire now. He is going through idparts.com for a starter. They now our family by first name now. I honestly have gotten to the point with things that I just laugh when something happens now. My wheel fell off while driving the Dodge with family in tow. Ruined the rim but tire/truck is OK. I think I didn't torque right. I also missed my driveway this morning when engaging the 4X4 since it was drifting badly. I didn't realize I was past my drive so into the ditch I drove. Thankfully I have done some free mechanic work for my neighbor. He did ask if I had a bottle (of booz) at work. Kind of just laughed. I hated to have him pull it out but his has the farm equipment powerfull enough to do it. I could have dug it out with a LOT more time. He had to jerk it several times to get it out. Daughters collar bone is healing after the break as well (I was tickling her and she fell off the chair and it broke) and 2 month old son is doing good from pneumonia. Frozen water pipe is OK as well and isn't froze anymore either. 

So-smile everyone. Life is good even when bad. 

FYI- I will buy the Golf back for $1500 and fix it. I will work more once it gets a little warmer. I took care of the battery acid with $45 of baking soda over my tools, floor and car and then washed it all. 

Travis