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Wed Nov 16, 2005 11:29 pm

It is winter time and that old Rabbit ain't jumping to life like it did in the warmer days. When I first got this car I was shocked to find there was no plug in for the glowplugs. I have talked to someone who said their Rabbit they had back in the 80's had a plugin. Does anyone know of a kit or a place I could purchase such a thing? If they do not make one for the Rabbit is there one that works with it?

Anyone know of a place with Rabbit Diagrams?

Fri Nov 18, 2005 9:04 am

Thr plug your looking for is for a block heater that replaces one of the freeze plugs in the block, it heats the coolant in the water jacket to aid in starting the car. If your car is hard starting and runs ruff when it starts than 1 or more of the glow plugs could be bad, the glow plug system is 12 volts and is part of the cars stating system. Also look at maybe the glow plug relay or the fusable link mounted on the fire wall (it will be the one with a 10g red wire with white stripe comming out of either side) is still good if some one has removed the strip and put the two wires together this is bad and can cause a fire. Hope this helps
Chuck

Fri Nov 18, 2005 2:29 pm

Chuck hey thanks, I started to change my plugs but all but 1 are in a place I can not get to without removing other parts (I am yet to get my Bentley manual. So I swapped the one I could, still have 3 left to swap out.

Tue Nov 22, 2005 12:49 pm

to replace the VW diesel glow plugs, it's easiest to remove the injector lines. it's also a good time to replace the injector rubber hose (use DIESEL rated proper hose only)

anyways a 17mm nut on the injector, and a 14mm on the pump.
be aware that fuel willleak out (in small qty) and you'll have to bleed the air from the lines on reassembly. a few minute job.

this is also a good time to replace the GP fuse, a thin strip ina plastic housing on the firewall, follow the heavy wire from the GPS back..
these are thin and can incure some heat from use, add in salt splash and they can fail and leave yuo cold no start. cheap insurance.

you will want a LONG 12mm box end wrench. my favorite is a 'dog bone' double box end as they are 15% longer then a open/box wrench.
same goes for the 8mm nuts that hold the flat copper strip in place.

heres a nice secret that i'll not charge for today.. get a set (4) of nuts that are used to hold the taillights on. these have a built in washer and STAY in your box end wrench and don't fall down into the voids of the motor brackets.

this all requires a good amount of dexterity and it your 10 thumbs and clumsey then bribe a friend with beer or food.. who has thinner and longer fingers.

do NOT use champion GPS they opnly last 12-18months, use BOSCHE they'll last 2-3yrs. it's not a job you want to do often.

to bleed the inj lines, connect tight on the pump, but only lightly on the inj side. crank motor (use a battery booster to aid) till you see fuel @ each inj leak out. then tighten..

dan from syracuse
1980 TD camper
1976 TD baja bug

Tue Nov 22, 2005 2:04 pm

Wow dan thanks alot (the extra tips are really helpful, the difference between talking to someone who's done it and reading a book about it) Lucky for me my previous project was a 66 Baja Bug so I'm pretty set on metric tools :) I agree on the Bosch and am actually replacing the Framm fuel filter (which was there when I bought it) for a Bosch as well. All your advice sounds like a nice weekend project. thanks :)

Sun Dec 04, 2005 10:35 am

sounds like dan has done a great job of the glow repl. procedures.

for a lil extra help in the cold get your bunny a block heater, keeps the engine nice and war, on the cold winter nights.

I use "kats" K4SR direct fit in a frost plug and easy install

Sun Dec 04, 2005 1:53 pm

Wow #4 plug was easy... #1 is almost rounded off and still in the car, this is quite a task, just to change plugs.

By bleeding does that just mean.. hooking up as described and turning key.. turning off key... turning key.. turning off key?

thanks

Sun Dec 04, 2005 6:07 pm

as for bleeding..
after re-install of injector (steel lines) tighten at the injector pump..leave fitting atthe injectors slightly loose..crank the engine untill you se fuel there..tighten and start as normal..

CAUTION! very high pressure fuel spray from injector pumps...no leak checking with your hands!! the fuel spray can or will penetrate the skin and cause severe damage!

best of luck..