Date:         Mon, 31 Mar 2008 12:16:36 -0400
Reply-To:     Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
Subject:      Re: '81.5 Diesel 1.6, Won't start
Comments: To: Neil Crawford <vidublu@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <5a099d980803310839k3e9cfe17h26890692cf8e75a4@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"

"Neil Crawford" <vidublu@GMAIL.COM> said:
> Hi volks,
>
> I've got a battery that's overdue and for a couple weeks now the engine
> has had a difficult time starting.  After a few tries, it'd be dead.  Thought
> it was just the battery.  I'd boost with me Saab and it'd start right up.
> Now, I don't think so.  Even with a boost she doesn't start.  Have heard a
> single injector can prevent starting.  The PO said, and the evidence supports,
> it's had the alternator rebuilt.  I think it may need a 'valve job'.
>
> Any ideas where I should begin to troubleshoot?

Diesel starting problems are generally either related to fuel delivery,
or insufficient compression.  The latter could be caused by leaking
valves.  I don't know if the VW diesels require valve adjustment but if
so, a "tight" valve could prevent starting.

Bad glow plugs could also factor in, but if it's not too cold a diesel
in good condition should eventually start without them.  Will take more
cranking though.

Fuel delivery problems could be the injectors or the injection pump.
How long since the fuel filter was changed?

I'd probably start with a compression test, then move on to the
injection system if that looks OK.

Allan