Does anybody know much about these? Do they have any major problems? Anything to look for when buying one?

I've found one locally for sale but the guy says the IP is bad. I haven't talked to him so I don't know how he knows that but thats what the add says. I'm thinking it could be more like the timing belt.

Thanks, Aaron

 

You would get better information on the TDI site but I will give you my opinion on it . If the belt went the valve train is toast and I would not mess with it unless it is almost a freebie . Bad injection pumps are a common problem and I have seen many that were made to run by adding a lift pump to increase pressure . The best way would be to replace it or have it rebuilt . If I did get it and got it running the belt would be inspected and changed if needed real soon . Changing the belt is not to bad once you have done it before but it is a little confusing the first time . You just block the cam pin the injection pump on TDC and replace .

 

Thanks for the info, I tried to find a TDI site but didn't have much luck in finding a good one. So I am assuming that the timing belt runs the injection pump? I'm going to pass, seems like he wants too much for it not running and not really knowing why. That and I already have too many projects. lol

 

So what exactly is wrong with it? I have never seen an issue with the older pumps on the jetta or rabbits. I have seen more issues with glowplugs, headgaskets, sucking air from fuel lines, and the glowplug fuse on the firewall burning out then bad Ip's.

 

I agree that glow plugs are a more constant problem on the older VW diesel engines but I have seen quit a few with weak and bad injection pumps . That is why when the person selling said it had a bad pump he could very likely be right but with out seeing it who knows .

 

I just saw it on CL and all the guys says is that the IP is bad I have no idea what makes him think that, but he's wanting 1300 for it and I think that is pretty high for something that old that doesn't run.

 

the vw site you want is tdiclub.com commonly refered to as fred's.and 1300 is waaaay too much.

 

The last time I thought about paying $1300 for a non-running car, I realized, unless it's a '57 Chevy, original condition then I should not go there. $300 is proabably even a bit much, in my humble opinion.

 

I agree glow plugs are common problems on the 1.6 diesel. Either the relay or the plugs themselves. run a jumper from the battery to a glowplug and see if it starts. If the timing belt broke thats bad. 9 times out of 10 with these its someone who don't know what they are doing and its an easy fix. 1300 IMO is steep for a nonrunning one that old but I would not be suprized if he gets it. My buddy just drove 800miles from Chicago to Ottawa Ontiaro to pick up a 1992 jetta and flat towed it back with the rabbit truck. he paid 225 USD for it which was a smoken deal. The car is not running but all it needs is a Tstat which the prior owner could not find on the car. I would say if its clean and straight 500-1000 is about the going rate for one non running however if you can sit a wait one will fall into your lap for cheap. In the past year I have bought 6 diesel rabbits. The most expensive one was 500.00. 4 of them ran good enough to go anywhere. A great car and the turbos really make the engine so much better.

 

Thanks for all the info guys, i'm definately not going to even look at it unless the guy would take less than $500 but I just have too many projects/cars right now to even think about it unless it was a really good deal!!

Thanks, Aaron

 

4-5 tops. Very underpowerd and smoky but great economy and really just kinda cool.
Joe

 

My dad had 85 VW Jetta Turbo diesel for a long time. Finally put to rest because of rust in 96 with 385k on the clock. It was good for about 42mpg on the highway. Only real troubles he had where glowplugs and that the cruise control would just disengage when it felt like it. Liked it enough to replace it with a TDI