'81 Diesel Rabbit & Timing Belt

Hi Folks, I'm seriously thinking about buying a '81 diesel rabbit with 81K miles on it. I've always wanted one -- just never got around to it.

Not crazy about the color (tan with light brown interior) but with this low mileage and for a good price ($500-600) I'm not sure I can be choosy. Anything I should look for when I check it out?

Also, I know the first thing I'll have to do is change the timing belt. I'm strictly a "weekend mechanic," but I've done the timing belt/waterpump/serpentine belt swap on a Ford Escort ('93 1.9L with A/C ). Will the Diesel Rabbit be an easier or tougher job than that one? In general, how is the Rabbit to work on mechanically? The guy selling it says that the tires, battery and alternator have all been replaced recently but doesn't know about anything else. What's most important for me to check out?

I'll probably convert to veggie, eventually, but I'll have to piggy bank the gas money I save at first to buy a kit.

Thanks a lot

The timing belt on the Diesel is harder & requires some special tools. In my opinion the biggest problem the Diesel's had was if they were overheated & cracked the head or blew the head gasket.

What special tools do I need and where would I get them? Are they expensive enough to negate any savings I would have by doing the job myself?

Thank you Boschmann,

Peter

In my opinion the biggest problem the Diesel's had was if they were overheated & cracked the head or blew the head gasket.

Is this a problem only if the car was abused or are diesels prone to overheating under more "normal" driving conditions?

Thanks,

Diesels were no more prone than any other car, overheating just had worse effects on the diesel $$.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

buy the haynes diesel repair mannual,,,,,belt is easy to change,,,special tools,,,,,,a drill bit ,,and a small flat-bar OH YA,,,,,,metric tools!!!!!

Thanks, I appreciate it.

the haynes is ok but the bently is better

a timing job on an '84 diesel rabbit is not a difficult job, but it should be done meticulously. read the instructions untill you understand each step. then check each step as you do it and then doubble check everything that you do. if you do not have a repair manual e-mail me and i will give you guidance on this subject. warning: special tools required.