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Old 12-19-2007, 10:05 AM
zagrot zagrot is offline
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Re: '79 diesel rabbit won't start

it could be a whole host of stuff, but if it ran when you parked it then it should be relatively simple to revive. check to be sure it has fuel, and some fresh fuel probably would not hurt. check all of the belts (especially the timing belt, if it looks like crap plan to replase it immediately afetr you hear that the engine will start) and hoses to make sure they are in good condition and that you have coolant. check that the oil level is good and that it isn't sludge; if it is change it, and if not plan a fresh oil change shortly after it shows that it will run. now the fun can begin; remove the banjo bolt on top of the pump and see if it is full of fuel, if it is not then fill it with new automatic transmission fluid (because it is clean, if you insist on using diesel fuel make sure it is well filtered) and relpace the banjo bolt. while you are in the fuel pump area have a helper turn the ignition on and off and make sure you hear the fuel shutoff solonoid on the pump make a faint clicking sound (it is the only part of the pump with an electric wire going to it). now get someone with a suitable towing vehicle and a tow strap to tow you to aproximately 25mph and once at that speed engauge 1st gear and let out on the clutch. if the engine has any hope of starting at all it will do so within about a minute even if it is really grumpy, but they ususally start imediately. hope it helps.
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