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Subject:Re: Rabbit vs. Vanagon
From:kenneth wilford (Van-Again)
Date:Thu, 10 Jan 2019 12:54:46 -0500

Steve, you just reminded me of the other issue I have had with these early
Rabbits and Mark 1 Jettas.  Until 82 they came with a fuse panel that has
the jelly bean style fuses like the early Vanagon.  The windshields were
prone to leaking.  Once these fuse panels got wet, they were very prone to
corrosion.  Then they start to exhibit all kinds of crazy and strange
behaviour.  I remember my Mark 1 Diesel Jetta putting me through a
nightmare until I finally figured this out.  I installed a new panel, but
the plugs that go on the back had these really small pins that were also
corroded so crazy experiences kept happening.  The car would start
sometimes, not start others.  Blinkers would work, then not work.
Windshield wipers would malfunction only when it rained... etc.  I finally
went to a junk yard, scavenged some plugs from another rabbit with the same
style fuse panel that hadn't gotten wet and the car went from a demon
possessed beast or a very reliable car that I owned for 10 years.  So
again, I would vote for at least an 82 or newer just to avoid the fuse
panel issues.  The later ones are much more reliable in that area.

Ken

On Thu, Jan 10, 2019 at 10:21 AM Steve <vwcarlocks@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Eric, I had the Bosch CIS system on one of my Ferrari V8's.  Yes, the fuel
> distributor is fairly complex but not to the point that a competent home
> mechanic can't work on it.  There is a book put out  on Bosch injection
> systems that you'd find helpful.  I overhauled the injection system on the
> Ferrari and it was not difficult.  Just do your research and enjoy the
> Cabriolet.  BTW, the Rabbits were all built in Westmoreland, except the
> Cabriolet.  You'll also find the electrics can be somewhat different
> between the cabrio and others.
>
>
>
> Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone
>

--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

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