In a message dated 8/23/98 7:15:26 PM, you wrote:

<<I am considering the purchase of a 1981 VW pickup.  It's a Diesel Rabbit.

I am a Vanagon and early Type2 owner of some repute, but know precious

little about Rabbit Diesel pickups.

Do you own one?

Is the mileage really as good as they say?

What problems have you had?

Is there a VW Rabbit Diesel Pickup list?

Charles "Luke" Lukey

Seattle, WA>>

Charles,
I have one, this is the second one I've owned.  They're great when they are
running, expect 42 - 50 mpg.

Do you know much about VW diesel engines?

The heads often leak.  Let it warm up really good.  Is the temp gauge dead on
center?.  Drive it around for at least 20 min.  If the temp goes up any at all
above that center mark, then your heads are leaking.  Maybe just a little, but
the problem will only become worse.

Check the coolant overflow tank.  Look for signs of stop leak or oily goo in
there.  If the level is low, or dirty, beware!

My diesel would run at dead center on the temp gauge all the time, no matter
what the outside temps.  As soon as I noticed the needle start to climb, I
knew what eventually lay ahead.  Stop leak or bars leak will postpone the
problem, but you will eventually need a new head.

Check the diesel fuel pump and look for leaks.  Look for sealant around the
thing where it may have been opened up and resealed.

How many miles since the head was rebuilt?  Did they replace the head gasket
and not rebuild the head? Beware of any recent head work, replaced radiators,
and  if you buy it make sure you test the radiator fan.  These quite often
fail and will lead to a blown head gasket.

The diesel engines can run a long time (many miles) if you don't overheat
them.

Good luck

Steve
'74 Campmobile
SKL Enterprises
Importing German Side Tents and Accessories, and Carver P4 Propane Heaters for
Bus, Vanagon and Eurovan
http://members.aol.com/tentinfo