VW guys: school me on diesel's

[Scorpion1]

With no computer, searching from my phone isn't turning up much info sadly. I hate asking questions without a good search first.

I have the opportunity to buy a 91 Jetta non turbo diesel for 675. Problem is its pushing oil into the coolant, but no coolant in the oil. I know nothing about diesel to begin with. So can this be a cheap repair, or am I looking at a lot of money? I only have 900 to work with. I found a gasket kit for $58 with head bolts but that doesn't mean that's the issue. Any input in the matter, or general info on these cars is greatly appreciated. Motor was rebuilt about 6k mi ago. I planned on running a mix of diesel and filtered oil to offset fuel costs.

[xEJ20x]

VW techs I work with said could be a leaky head gasket near an oil galley or a leak in the oil cooler.
Or could be fixed with something as simple as a complete coolant system flush.
Try checkin around VW Vortex or TDI Club.

[RedWabbit]

vwvortex is your friend. post a thread there. I would help but I don't know jack about diesels. I tried for a month to get mine timed and still couldn't

[Scorpion1]

vwvortex is your friend. post a thread there. I would help but I don't know jack about diesels. I tried for a month to get mine timed and still couldn't

Lol thanks guys. I'm pretty compitent around a gas motor, but I know despite being " simpler" in design,a diesel can be alot more complicated and pricey. I can't afford to buy a turd. Think it would be safe to DD as is if I keep an eye on fluids and keep the cooling system flushed?

[vDevilu]

for idi vw diesels try http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/

[jpalamar]

Buying a VW that already has issues is something I wouldn't consider doing... espeicially since I'm a noob to non traditional gas motors.

[Scorpion1]

Buying a VW that already has issues is something I wouldn't consider doing... espeicially since I'm a noob to non traditional gas motors.

that's what I'm thinking, but the leak is the only issue, and its a 6k mi rebuild so it should have a ton of life left. Its a 50/50 crap shoot as to weather retorquing the head will fix the leak or not, as it was supposed to be done at 1k mi.

[RedWabbit]

In the very least if you pull the head to do the gasket you will have to regime the engine, which would be easy if the injector pump wasn't a pita to time with the engine. My pump didn't have 1 timing hole it had 2 so I had to buy some special tools to even attempt it. If you buy it find someone near you that's is good with diesel engines.


Sent from under my car.