81 Diesel Rabbit Timing Belt

[Studiotwosession]

A 1981 diesel Rabbit, not running, has come into my life. I am told it needs a new timing belt. I was also told many engines, when they need a timing belt, need other work because when the belt goes it causes other damage. However, a friend of mine said he was told with these particular cars (or engines) that is not true. Does anyone know, one way or the other, which is true with these vehicles. Thanks in advance.

[TDCTDI]

Welcome to The Samba!

Diesels will most definitely bend the valves. There is absolutely no room for a valve when the piston is at TDC. They are also known to break the camshaft or punch holes through the pistons.

When you remove the cylinder head DO NOT throw away the head gasket, you will need it to determine which head gasket to use, they are different thicknesses depending on how high above the deck height of the block the piston protrudes.
_________________
Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.


GOFUNDYOURSELF, quit asking everyone to do it for you!


An air cooled VW will make you a hoarder.


Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it.

[Butcher]

Spoken from the master. Heed his advice.

I do not think any diesel from any manufacturer will not be damaged when the belt or chain breaks. There is just no extra room in the combustion chamber.

[Studiotwosession]

Many thanks and thanks for the welcome. There are at least 7 VWs (six were air cooled) in my past and its great to be an owner of one again. Given the facts of these engines, anyone dare to put a ballpark price on the engine work needed to get her running again? Thanks again.

[TDCTDI]

$150-$3,000. No one can tell until it's disassembled & inspected, where you're located, parts availability, or who's doing the work.
_________________
Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.


GOFUNDYOURSELF, quit asking everyone to do it for you!


An air cooled VW will make you a hoarder.


Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it.

[Studiotwosession]

Thanks!

[sgnimj96]

any of the piston crowns that show marks of the valves hitting should have those valves replaced - even if they're not bent.

Previously hit valves have the occasional reputation of breaking after a few thousand miles.

ARP head studs are totally worth it if it's got the 11mm head bolts.


forum for IDI engines
http://vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?PHPSESSID=2c147e25efd7d10ba0195c774b43b6de&board=6.0

[TDCTDI]

I suggest against the use of the head studs. These are great for engines that are torn down after every season of racing but the problem with them is that they are not stretch bolts. The aluminum cylinder heads expand & contract & good bit as they’re heat cycled, this will lead to failed or leaking head gaskets. I got to replace quite a few head gaskets on various VW engine configurations because all the kids wanted the latest/greatest head studs. So, unless you plan on retorqueing the heads every 5-10,000 miles, I’d stay with the factory head bolts.
_________________
Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.


GOFUNDYOURSELF, quit asking everyone to do it for you!


An air cooled VW will make you a hoarder.


Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it.

[Studiotwosession]

Many thanks. Meanwhile, anyone know a source for parts like grilles? Also need things like the part that keeps the rear hatch up when one opens it?

[TDCTDI]

Start here...
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=490494
_________________
Everybody born before 1975 has a story, good, bad, or indifferent, about a VW.


GOFUNDYOURSELF, quit asking everyone to do it for you!


An air cooled VW will make you a hoarder.


Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it.

[Studiotwosession]

Thanks!

[Studiotwosession]

This is a really cool site, by the way. Makes me want to go out and buy a few more vintage v dubs!