baxt…@bigfoot.com (Bruce Baxter) wrote in message <news:3ecad0a1.956729@news2.localnet.com>…
> I just picked up an ’88 Fox GL. Even though it’s got 190K miles on
> the clock and it’s quite rusty, it still runs and drives well. I’m
> not really familiar with the Fox platform, other than I know that it
> was built in Brazil and has an interesting melange of A1 and A2
> technology in it. Someone correct me if I’m wrong her.
> – The 1.8 block and head are essentially the same as that found in all
> A1 and A2 1.8 equiped cars
They interchange, but there are some differences between the various
models and incarnations of those 1.8L 8V engines. The earlier ones got
solid lifter heads, the later ones got hydraulic lifter heads. Also,
some got higher compression from different pistons. You can swap the
parts around and "upgrade" your engine, but there are some
differences.
> – The FI system appears to be CIS-E, similar to what was in my ’86
> Jetta.
I think the Foxes I’ve seen have CIS-Lambda. That’s CIS with an Oxygen
Sensor and a "frequency valve" on the fuel distributor. If your fuel
distributor buzzes when the car is running, thats a normal
characteristic of CIS-Lambda. Also, CIS-Lambda has a control pressure
regulator on the side of the block (left side on your Fox, front on a
Rabbit/Golf/Jetta).
> – The Foxes, for reasons unknown to me got detuned version of this
> motor, where an A2 1.8 with CIS was rated for 85 HP, the Fox version
> was rated somewhere down in the 70′s HP wise.
I’m not sure the exact hp and ratings of the Fox engines. Do you know
the engine code? The code is stamped on a flat spot on the block
between cylinder #3 and cylinder #4, kind of above the distributor.
The Fox engines I’ve seen have really small valves and hydraulic
lifters. The small size of the valve limits air flow and horsepower.
They also have the low compression pistons (8.5:1 CR).
> – My title says that the car weighs 2900+ pounds. Can this be
> possible? It doesn’t seem it could be possible, since my Jetta only
> weight 2200+ pounds.
2900 pounds is probably the GVWR, which is the rated maximum carrying
capacity of the suspension and chassis. I doubt that your car is
actually that heavy. The Fox sedans were heavier than Jettas, but they
should be around 2400 pounds or so in normal driving trim.
> – The car has startup issues. When I start it, until it is warm, the
> idle starts out OK and then degrades until it’s sputtering at 2-300
> RPM. What would the likely cause of this problem be?
Lots of things could cause this. Assuming the injection is CIS-Lambda,
the most likely causes are the coolant temperature switch or the
control pressure regulator. Testing the control pressure regulator
requires a pressure guage setup. The procedures are in the Bentley
service manual. It’s highly recommended that you get one for your Fox.
You also want to check for vacuum leaks and cut off any other
"alternate sources" of unmetered air (vacuum leaks).
BTW, You should probably post questions about your Fox to
rec.autos.makers.vw.watercooled instead of rec.autos.makers.chrysler.
—
Racer X
1984 VW Jetta Diesel GT
1992 Mazda Miata
1994 Caravan (OK, maybe it’s a keeper, but I still want a VW Caddy)
1983 VW Rabbit GTI (ITB racer)
1988 Mazda RX-7 (Soon to be ITS racer)
1992 GMC Topkick (portable garage for racecar[s])
I wonder if the industrial diesel would be both legal and work well?
I don’t know its intended use, but many industrial engines are
engendered to run a one speed only. That would not work too well in a car.
Of course that engine many not be so designed.
–
Joseph E. Meehan
26 + 6 = 1 It’s Irish Math
"Stu’s Caddy" <skippe…@netzero.net> wrote in message
news:82b09b3c.0305240823.5e4ebab9@posting.google.com…
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> My old VW pickup needs a new motor.Has anybody heard of changing out a
> 1.6L for a new, in the crate,1.9L VW industrial engine ? Price ranges
> from ~$2k for long block to about $2800 with injection pump.
> I found these motors: http://www.dieselenginetrader.com
> They are supposed to be a direct bolt in, including the accessories.
> One guy emailed me that he has a bracket ($100) to fit the A/C. Also a
> smaller water pump. Can also get a turbo.
> Anybody know anything about this……???? Stu in Texas
I am not sure exactly what you are describing, but could it be the top
strut bearing?
–
Joseph E. Meehan
26 + 6 = 1 It’s Irish Math
"Bradley Urberg Carlson" <aoeu…@carlsonpaanettet.org> wrote in message
news:0VMza.9241$jT4.213032@twister.rdc-kc.rr.com…
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> 95 Passat wagon: when the front passenger tire is gripped with both
> hands and twisted, then the nut at the top of the strut tower can be
> seen to pivot (as seen from under the hood/bonnet). From under the car,
> I can see the strut tower moving against the bushing where it mounts on
> the frame-arm.
> I suppose that either the top bolt is loose (in which case the wheel is
> probably also hopelessly out of alignment), or else the bottom bushing
> (control-arm bushing?) is loose (in which case the bushing is probably
> worn). Any guesses which end (top or bottom) might be creating this
> play? I suppose that I could just replace the struts, bump-stops and
> control-arm bushings for about $450 in parts and alignment, and that
> would be cheaper than getting a qualified diagnosis (plus the added
> benefit of new struts, finally).
> PS: if I go that route, where to get the parts? Bilsteins are nice, but
> need special bump-stop, and I’d probably only want the front pair.
> -Bradley, currently experiencing "Parkvergnugen".