Former VWDieselParts.com Forum

I got it running tonight.

I had put on the IP and timed it on Sunday, but it wouldn't start and run for more than a few seconds. I ran out of time, so I had to give it a go tonight. I realized the timing was advanced pretty far, so I loosened the IP bolts and rotated CCW some and tighten things back up. When I tried to start it, the motor came to life right away and idled without issue.

I put most of the cooling system back on, but now I need to mount the alternator, compressor, and to cooling hose. Then I can fill the radiator back up and actually warm the engine up.

Hopefully this weekend I can do that and then flip the car around so I can drain the fuel tank and put in some new diesel.

Need to get a new tranny filter and install it too. I'm hoping the tranny is still ok.

Its ALIVE!!!

I have the compressor, alternator, and hoses all hooked back up. I was able to drive it up and down the street a few times and even took my kiddos to piano lessons.

Now i need to order more parts and get it cleaned up the way it should be.

Thanks to folks encouragement and help on the forums!

That's always great to hear when someone finally gets it running for the first time.
Drives down the street and takes the kids for a ride, ha.

Did some more labor on the project today:

- Replaced radiator reservoir
- Replaced the left motor mount (major thanks to my neighbor and his press)
- Swapped some of the injector fuel line
- Took apart the entire passenger door
--- It now opens from the outside
--- Stupid vent window glass fell out as the glue finally gave up
--- Lubed and cleaned things inside
--- Lubed the window crank track
- Bought tires
- Bolted radiator fan to the shroud. Need to install it all after I get the electrical plug taken care of.

Still lots more to do. Big thing I'm worried about is emissions. I've no idea what to do if it fails. Guess I'll see if that's an issue.

Lots of things done! Need to post some pics too.

- New radiator installed
- AC compressor and brackets installed
- Alternator installed
- Fixed the missing radiator fan plug (soldered and heatshrunk the wires to the new plug)
- New headlight and side marker lights
- Radiator fan and shroud installed
- Replaced the tranny pan gasket (had a bad leak, which is annoying as I had just done that gasket)

And the best news - Passed emissions!

Its now been driven to work twice (30 miles round trip), so I think I can say its going to live.

The first 30 miles can be scary, wondering if EVERYTHING was done right.

Good job sounds like you have a good car, I drive mine 300+ miles a week.

Well I've got over 1700 miles on it since it came back to life. calculated my mileage a few times and I average about 33 to the gallon, which seems good for an automatic with AC.

This weekend I tore the driver's door apart and lubed the window track/regulator and now it rolls up and down like new. I also pulled the door and bent the lower hinge back to where it belonged. After adjusting the striker, it's super easy to open and close. Also lubed the latch assembly so I can easily unlock/lock door and open from the outside. Super happy with my 'brand new' door.

Unfortunately, I'm getting hot air out the vents when the AC is on and other weird hot/cold air issues depending on control settings. I think one of the air doors is not moving. Gonna have to look into that this weekend since this is my daily driver and I sold my truck two weeks ago.

My project Rabbit will be a "warm weather" car for now....once I get the water pump and hoses changed....

Great job on getting the Rabbit "hopping" again....