Bought a Caddy diesel, now what?

[kevlars]

New member here, and I need to pick your brains! I am picking up an 81 Caddy diesel in the next week or so.

My question is this: the truck hasn't run in about 5 years, but when it did the previous owner said that there were no issues, ran fine. So, what should I do before I try to start it? Do you think I would be okay draining the fuel tank, putting in a new battery, and give it a crank? Oh, BTW, there are 138,000 miles on the clock.

Thanks in advance for any help,
Kevlars

 

[RUGsux72]

An '81 with only 138K...gotta have a broke/replaced speedo...otherwise it's an unbelievable find. You shouldn't have to drain the tank, diesel has a loooooooooong shelf life. LOOK AND GRAB THE TIMING BELT & PULLEYS, THIS IS A MUST! If any cracks or dry rotting DO NOT START IT! Dry rotted Tbelts are a 99% cure to ruining your engine. Replace timing belt and crank away!

 

[john.jackson9213]

Those Olds 350 diesels had a tendency to blow head gaskets. Long about 1983, the fixed the problem by adding more head bolts. But by then their reputation was so bad, nothing could save them.

I had a 1981 Caprice Wagon with this engine. Nice on the interstate with high 20's mpg. But blew one head gasket, fixed it and 6 weeks later the other head blew. Got Chevrolet to fix it and traded the car. Understand there was also an issue with injection pump life.

 

[dieselyeti]

I think they're talking about a VW Caddy, not a Cadillac.

 

[john.jackson9213]

I think they're talking about a VW Caddy, not a Cadillac.

That makes sense. Could not figure out why it was posted under VW general discussion. Silly me.

 

[Ski in NC]

On engines that have sat for years, I like to take out the oil pressure switch (on the head, drivers side on the caddy) and pump in some oil to get the bearings wet. Then roll over engine a couple turns with a wrench. Then try a start.
After five years the bearings are going to be mighty dry.

Do watch timing belt when you roll over engine with a wrench. Make sure all rollers are spinning and belt looks ok. Starting engine at that point is not likely too big a risk, but do change that belt right away.

 

[kevlars]

Thanks for the replies guys. I will hopefully be getting her back to the shop in a week or so. I will definately be checking out the timing belt. I guess I will check out the fuel in the tank, and maybe add some fresh fuel to it.

I will keep you posted on the outcome.

kevlars

 

[thundershorts]

speaking of fuel tanks...all those gm diesels had gas fuel tanks with small pickup tube which iced over in freezing weather causing no starts. when you get it running, best attend to this as it will cause no starts below freezing. a diesel requires a large screen on the fuel pickup in tank so, if partially iced, will still allow fuel to pass

 

[bhtooefr]

Guys, it's not a GM.

It's the vehicle that was sold in Europe as the VW Caddy. Or, sold in the US as the Rabbit Pickup.