VW 1.6L issues - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

83westy1.6l · #1 04-08-2009, 09:53 PM

So, as you may be able to tell from my username, I'm here for one reason. To ask questions about this engine. The 1.6L engine in my 1983 VW Westfalia Vanagon Camper.

I initially thought I had an issue with the pump, but I managed to get it primed finally and it is sucking fuel. It now fired, but stalled out almost immediately. Here and there it will keep running but seemed to almost surge if that makes any sense. I am very unfamiliar with diesel engines and we replaced the glow plugs and I really hope the timing is right, we made sure we were very careful to get that right. This vehicle sat for 10 years prior to us working on it now.

dariod · #2 04-08-2009, 10:17 PM

Go to www.tdiclub.com and ask that question.

Oracle12345 · #3 04-08-2009, 10:23 PM

since it sat for quite some time might want to check the fuel system and clean it. Also check to make sure no leaks etc.

Simpler=Better · #4 04-08-2009, 10:25 PM

I highly doubt that the 1983 engine is a TDI.....

Oracle12345 · #5 04-08-2009, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simpler=Better

I highly doubt that the 1983 engine is a TDI.....

It is actually since all the TDI is bigger verison of the 1.6 diesel engine with

turbo. The TDI is a 1.9L.

83westy1.6l · #6 04-08-2009, 10:31 PM

Ha, yeah it's so not. the us models and canadian models didn't have the turbo from what I understand, but it's a common conversion.

Mine is the woefully underpowered lil guy. I have the line taken loose from the fuel filter and down in a jar of fuel from when I was trying to prime the pump the hard way. I know the tank needs to be cleaned for sure, but the lines are all unobstructed. It's just really strange that when it fires it runs like someone is pumping the throttle. No idea why it would do that, but it wants to stall every time i start it.

Simpler=Better · #7 04-08-2009, 10:31 PM

I stand corrected sir

dariod · #8 04-08-2009, 10:33 PM

Well it is not TDI but it is similar technology VW has been using forever just adding upgrades. TDI very fun engine as long as you change timing belt on time. I own 2000 TDI and average almost 50MPG on 5 speed manual.

argus445 · #9 04-08-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 83westy1.6l

Ha, yeah it's so not. the us models and canadian models didn't have the turbo from what I understand, but it's a common conversion.

Mine is the woefully underpowered lil guy. I have the line taken loose from the fuel filter and down in a jar of fuel from when I was trying to prime the pump the hard way. I know the tank needs to be cleaned for sure, but the lines are all unobstructed. It's just really strange that when it fires it runs like someone is pumping the throttle. No idea why it would do that, but it wants to stall every time i start it.

It's not tdi those are direct injection the 1.6 are all idi except 1991 eco which had useless turbo and cat.

i'd suggest draining what i could put new fuel and change fuel filter if u havent tried already making sure glow plugs work and i use to use wd-40 to get them going just spray in intake w/o cycling the plugs after i let it cycle once thru the entire cycle then reset start w/o cycling the plugs then spray a bit while cranking the engine if u have a helper? helps work air out w/o killing the starter if it's airlocked on one or more cylinders

I'd say more likely it's leaked all fuel out and is air locked it's hard to get fuel back when they do that maybe bleeding the injectors too if u havent already? it normally nails and stalls if it does have alot air in them

83westy1.6l · #10 04-08-2009, 10:47 PM

glow plugs were the issue 10 years ago so we replaced them first. I put a new fuel filter on and primed that and primed the pump as well. I went aahead and used a container for fuel to avoid any air because the tank needs to be cleaned and I just wanted to get the thing started and running asap. I bled the injectors and I have tried assisting with starter fluid and had it running for almost a minute I'd say, but it still just hits and stalls, and once in awhile it'll run shortly but seems to surge as if someone is pumping the accelerator. very strange.

Oracle12345 · #11 04-08-2009, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 83westy1.6l

glow plugs were the issue 10 years ago so we replaced them first. I put a new fuel filter on and primed that and primed the pump as well. I went aahead and used a container for fuel to avoid any air because the tank needs to be cleaned and I just wanted to get the thing started and running asap. I bled the injectors and I have tried assisting with starter fluid and had it running for almost a minute I'd say, but it still just hits and stalls, and once in awhile it'll run shortly but seems to surge as if someone is pumping the accelerator. very strange.

Might want to pick up yourself a bently repair manual for your car.

DIESELVOLVO · #12 04-08-2009, 11:48 PM

I'm sorry but the chances of the IP sitting or 10 years without internal corrosion/rust is very slim. Also stuck rings are likely. I hope you at least changed the oil....

argus445 · #13 04-09-2009, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DIESELVOLVO

I'm sorry but the chances of the IP sitting or 10 years without internal corrosion/rust is very slim. Also stuck rings are likely. I hope you at least changed the oil....

10 yrs... um wow didnt see that yah stuck rings the ip pump is prolly shot. I'd prolly say the gov. assembly is sticking i have a 1.6 eco pump i took off a car. I put a earlier 85 quantum which had the turbo enrichment valve on top not blocked off. It might work but idk i'd check your compression maybe rings first could be doing that too.

rs899 · #14 04-09-2009, 06:36 AM

Probably a pump issue.

Here is the best forum to go to for advice on the old 1.6 NA:

http://www.vwdieselparts.com/

There are guys on that forum that rebuild their own Bosch VE IPs. You might want to think about that- the seals are only about $20 on ebay.

compu_85 · #15 04-09-2009, 08:34 AM

Did you check the compression? The 48 HP1.6 really wasn't enough engine to haul the Vanagon around... they had to gear it very aggressively (they de-tuned it from 54 hp, and the max rpm limited speed is 65!). Most of them didn't make it past 100,000 miles.

Once you verify you have compression then be sure you have no bubbles in the fuel lines. Check the injector return lines. Consider running the engine off a small tank as a test. If you see fuel pouring out of the bottom of the pump it's time for a rebuild.

The 1.6l IDIs are somewhat different then a TDI. The 1.9l AAZ is very similar in the lower end to a 1.9l 1Z or AHU TDI, but of course the pump and injectors and head are different. Checking the timing is fairly easy, you just need a dial gauge and adapter set. I got mine off of ebay for not much money. The timing spec should be listed on the emissions sticker, but as I recall it's .9mm of lift at TDC. If the belt is 10 years old I wouldn't risk running the engine. If the belt is over 5 years old replace it before you go any further. Note that doing a "mark and pray" will not result in proper camshaft timing.

Also, FWIW, the turbo on the ECOdiesel wasn't useless, it did give the car some more HP, and allowed you to easily turn up the injection pump for some more power. An ECOdiesel motor (engine code 1V) would be the best 1.6 for the Vanagon because it's so under-stressed.

-J