In a message dated 8/23/98 7:15:26 PM, you wrote: <<I am considering the purchase of a 1981 VW pickup. It's a Diesel Rabbit. I am a Vanagon and early Type2 owner of some repute, but know precious little about Rabbit Diesel pickups.
Do you own one? Is the mileage really as good as they say? What problems have you had? Is there a VW Rabbit Diesel Pickup list?
Charles "Luke" Lukey Seattle, WA>> Charles, I have one, this is the second one I've owned. They're great when they are running, expect 42 - 50 mpg. Do you know much about VW diesel engines? The heads often leak. Let it warm up really good. Is the temp gauge dead on center?. Drive it around for at least 20 min. If the temp goes up any at all above that center mark, then your heads are leaking. Maybe just a little, but the problem will only become worse. Check the coolant overflow tank. Look for signs of stop leak or oily goo in there. If the level is low, or dirty, beware! My diesel would run at dead center on the temp gauge all the time, no matter what the outside temps. As soon as I noticed the needle start to climb, I knew what eventually lay ahead. Stop leak or bars leak will postpone the problem, but you will eventually need a new head. Check the diesel fuel pump and look for leaks. Look for sealant around the thing where it may have been opened up and resealed. How many miles since the head was rebuilt? Did they replace the head gasket and not rebuild the head? Beware of any recent head work, replaced radiators, and if you buy it make sure you test the radiator fan. These quite often fail and will lead to a blown head gasket. The diesel engines can run a long time (many miles) if you don't overheat them. Good luck Steve '74 Campmobile SKL Enterprises Importing German Side Tents and Accessories, and Carver P4 Propane Heaters for Bus, Vanagon and Eurovan http://members.aol.com/tentinfo |
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