Former VWDieselParts.com Forum

I just acquired a 1978 Rabbit diesel.

The engine was running until they threw a timing belt. After various things they ended up breaking a cam bearing cap when trying to put the camshaft back in after removing it for some reason. My question is can a replacement cap be bought and installed or will it require removing the head and having it line bored? I'm completely new to vw diesels so learning as I go but have worked on cars as a hobby for many, many years.

Since this is an old 1.5 I would go the cheap route.

You could probably get a used cap and work on it until it fit right.
I shouldn't say "you" can because I have no idea what your skill level is but with time and patience it could be done.

Welcome to the forum.

I'm surprised how many 1978, 1979 VW Rabbits are showing up.... I too came here inquiring on a "new" 1978 VW diesel Rabbit that "followed" me home a few years back. Good luck w/ your Rabbit! (Is it still the original 1.5L or has someone upgraded it to a newer 1.6L?)

All original even to the original owners manual still in the glove box.

I'm fairly handy with tools and such, my problem it seems is finding a cap. Anyone have one laying around? Happy to pay whatever it's worth within reason. Got paypal even though I hate their no gun policies so can easily get you paid.

Next best option it seems is just replacing the head but hate to do that since it seems it only have around 160k miles and appears to be in decent shape except for stupidity with the cap. LOL

I just took a bunch of junk heads apart and saved a bucket of cam caps.
$5 each
plus $6 shipping with delivery confirmation.

Sharkey once claimed to line bore a block with the cam and thin sandpaper.
It was an emergency situation after an overheat and got him home and a bit beyond if I remember right.

1-2 thou clearance is hard to do with sandpaper.

Wow....all original AND with the original owners manual.

I had a hard time finding a 1.5L head, back in the day (few years back). My original had a crack.... nothing local, had to get it online. I wonder where I put the old head.....

On a different subject, assuming I can get this cap to work and we all know what ASSuming gets you. LOL

What's a good source for body rubber or is it available. Windows, doors, the works. Got some in pretty bad shape as most old cars are.

Did ya get a part yet to fix it?

Yeah, I sent him a couple #4 caps.

Fatmobile wrote:Yeah, I sent him a couple #4 caps.

Hopefully another diesel saved to rumble on another day.....