1988 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback engine fastener tightening specifications

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Condition	Value

expand_moreAir intake system

expand_moreIntake manifold


1.6 with gasoline straight-4 1.6 L 68 HP engine (1986.10–1992.12)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.6 with gasoline straight-4 1.6 L 71 HP engine (1986.2–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.6 with gasoline straight-4 1.6 L 74 HP engine (1983.8–1992.7)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.6 with gasoline straight-4 1.6 L 74 HP engine (1983.8–1992.7)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.6 with gasoline straight-4 1.6 L 74 HP engine (1983.8–1992.7)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1986.2–1991.7)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1986.2–1991.7)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 97 HP engine (1988.8–1991.7)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 i CAT with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1987.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 i CAT with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1987.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 i Syncro CAT with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1987.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 83 HP engine (1986.8–1990.1)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1984.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1984.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1984.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
All other modifications	18.44 lbf⋅ft18.44 lbf⋅ft25 N⋅m

expand_moreCarburetion


Injection nozzle (injector)	51.63 lbf⋅ft51.63 lbf⋅ft70 N⋅m

expand_moreCooling system


Coolant pump	7.38 lbf⋅ft7.38 lbf⋅ft10 N⋅m

expand_moreCylinder head

expand_moreCamshaft bearing

expand_more1.0 with gasoline straight-4 1.0 L 50 HP engine (1985.8–1991.10)


First stage	4.43 lbf⋅ft4.43 lbf⋅ft6 N⋅m
Second stage	90°90°90°

expand_more1.3 CAT with gasoline straight-4 1.3 L 54 HP engine (1986.6–1992.12)

expand_moreNuts


First stage	4.43 lbf⋅ft4.43 lbf⋅ft6 N⋅m
Second stage	90°90°90°


Screws	7.38 lbf⋅ft7.38 lbf⋅ft10 N⋅m


1.8 GTI 16V with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 127 HP engine (1986.2–1991.10)	11.06 lbf⋅ft11.06 lbf⋅ft15 N⋅m
1.8 GTI 16V with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 137 HP engine (1986.2–1990.6)	11.06 lbf⋅ft11.06 lbf⋅ft15 N⋅m
All other modifications	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m

expand_moreCylinder head screws

Figure 1. Cylinder head, Cylinder head screws.


First stage	29.5 lbf⋅ft29.5 lbf⋅ft40 N⋅m
Screws must be replaced. See figure 1.
Second stage	44.25 lbf⋅ft44.25 lbf⋅ft60 N⋅m
Third stage	90°90°90°
Fourth stage	90°90°90°


Valve cover	7.38 lbf⋅ft7.38 lbf⋅ft10 N⋅m

expand_moreEngine block

expand_moreConnecting rod bearing

expand_more1.8 GTI G60 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 158 HP engine (1988.8–1991.12)


First stage	22.13 lbf⋅ft22.13 lbf⋅ft30 N⋅m
Second stage	180°180°180°

expand_moreAll other modifications


First stage	22.13 lbf⋅ft22.13 lbf⋅ft30 N⋅m
Second stage	90°90°90°

expand_moreCrankshaft central screws

expand_more1.0 with gasoline straight-4 1.0 L 50 HP engine (1985.8–1991.10)


M12	59 lbf⋅ft59 lbf⋅ft80 N⋅m

expand_moreM14


First stage	66.38 lbf⋅ft66.38 lbf⋅ft90 N⋅m
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage	120°120°120°
Oil thread.

expand_more1.3 CAT with gasoline straight-4 1.3 L 54 HP engine (1986.6–1992.12)


First stage	66.38 lbf⋅ft66.38 lbf⋅ft90 N⋅m
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage	120°120°120°
Oil thread.

expand_more1.6 D (1983.8–1991.10)


M14	132.76 lbf⋅ft132.76 lbf⋅ft180 N⋅m
Oil thread.

expand_moreWith Torx-head screws


First stage	66.38 lbf⋅ft66.38 lbf⋅ft90 N⋅m
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage	180°180°180°

expand_more1.8 GTI 16V with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 127 HP engine (1986.2–1991.10)


First stage	66.38 lbf⋅ft66.38 lbf⋅ft90 N⋅m
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage	90°90°90°
Oil thread.

expand_more1.8 GTI 16V with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 137 HP engine (1986.2–1990.6)


First stage	66.38 lbf⋅ft66.38 lbf⋅ft90 N⋅m
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage	90°90°90°
Oil thread.

expand_more1.8 GTI G60 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 158 HP engine (1988.8–1991.12)


First stage	66.38 lbf⋅ft66.38 lbf⋅ft90 N⋅m
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage	90°90°90°
Oil thread.

expand_moreAll other modifications


With hexagon-head screws	132.76 lbf⋅ft132.76 lbf⋅ft180 N⋅m
Oil thread.

expand_moreWith Torx-head screws


First stage	66.38 lbf⋅ft66.38 lbf⋅ft90 N⋅m
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage	90°90°90°
Oil thread.

expand_moreCrankshaft pulley

expand_more1.8 GTI G60 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 158 HP engine (1988.8–1991.12)


Collar screws	18.44 lbf⋅ft18.44 lbf⋅ft25 N⋅m
Otherwise	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m


All other modifications	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m

expand_moreFlywheel

expand_more1.8 GTI G60 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 158 HP engine (1988.8–1991.12)


First stage	22.13 lbf⋅ft22.13 lbf⋅ft30 N⋅m
Screws and nuts must be replaced.
Second stage	90°90°90°

expand_moreAll other modifications


M7	18.44 lbf⋅ft18.44 lbf⋅ft25 N⋅m
Gradually tighten screws crosswise.

expand_moreM10


First stage	44.25 lbf⋅ft44.25 lbf⋅ft60 N⋅m
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage	90°90°90°


Main bearing	47.94 lbf⋅ft47.94 lbf⋅ft65 N⋅m

expand_moreVibration damper


All other modifications	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m

expand_moreEngine control

expand_moreCamshaft timing gear


Volkswagen gasoline straight-4 1.8 Liters PL 127 HP	47.94 lbf⋅ft47.94 lbf⋅ft65 N⋅m
Volkswagen gasoline straight-4 1.8 Liters KR 137 HP	47.94 lbf⋅ft47.94 lbf⋅ft65 N⋅m
Volkswagen diesel straight-4 1.6 Liters ME 54 HP	33.19 lbf⋅ft33.19 lbf⋅ft45 N⋅m
Volkswagen diesel straight-4 1.6 Liters JP 54 HP	33.19 lbf⋅ft33.19 lbf⋅ft45 N⋅m
Volkswagen diesel straight-4 1.6 Liters JR 68 HP	33.19 lbf⋅ft33.19 lbf⋅ft45 N⋅m
Volkswagen diesel straight-4 1.6 Liters MF 68 HP at 4500 RPM, 133 N⋅m at 2600 RPM	33.19 lbf⋅ft33.19 lbf⋅ft45 N⋅m
All other modifications	59 lbf⋅ft59 lbf⋅ft80 N⋅m


Toothed belt guard	7.38 lbf⋅ft7.38 lbf⋅ft10 N⋅m
Toothed belt guard at the bottom	7.38 lbf⋅ft7.38 lbf⋅ft10 N⋅m

expand_moreToothed belt guard at the top


All Volkswagen gasoline straight-4 1.8 Liters KR engines	5.16 lbf⋅ft5.16 lbf⋅ft7 N⋅m
All Volkswagen gasoline straight-4 1.8 Liters PL engines	5.16 lbf⋅ft5.16 lbf⋅ft7 N⋅m
All other modifications	7.38 lbf⋅ft7.38 lbf⋅ft10 N⋅m


Toothed belt tensioning roller	33.19 lbf⋅ft33.19 lbf⋅ft45 N⋅m

expand_moreEngine lubrication

expand_moreOil drain plug


All Volkswagen gasoline straight-4 1.8 Liters KR engines	29.5 lbf⋅ft29.5 lbf⋅ft40 N⋅m
All Volkswagen gasoline straight-4 1.8 Liters PL engines	29.5 lbf⋅ft29.5 lbf⋅ft40 N⋅m
All other modifications	22.13 lbf⋅ft22.13 lbf⋅ft30 N⋅m


Oil filter housing	18.44 lbf⋅ft18.44 lbf⋅ft25 N⋅m

expand_moreOil sump


1.6 D (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.6 D with diesel straight-4 1.6 L 54 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.6 D with diesel straight-4 1.6 L 54 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.6 TD with diesel straight-4 1.6 L 68 HP at 4500 RPM, 133 N⋅m at 2600 RPM engine (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.6 TD with diesel straight-4 1.6 L 68 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI CAT with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 106 HP engine (1987.1–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI G60 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 158 HP engine (1988.8–1991.12)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI G60 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 158 HP engine (1988.8–1991.12)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
All other modifications	11.06 lbf⋅ft11.06 lbf⋅ft15 N⋅m

expand_moreEngine management


Glow plugs	18.44 lbf⋅ft18.44 lbf⋅ft25 N⋅m
Lambda sensor	36.88 lbf⋅ft36.88 lbf⋅ft50 N⋅m

expand_moreExhaust system


Exhaust manifold	18.44 lbf⋅ft18.44 lbf⋅ft25 N⋅m

expand_moreIgnition system

expand_moreSpark plugs


1.8 GTI 16V with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 127 HP engine (1986.2–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI 16V with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 137 HP engine (1986.2–1990.6)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI CAT with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 106 HP engine (1987.1–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI G60 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 158 HP engine (1988.8–1991.12)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI G60 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 158 HP engine (1988.8–1991.12)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10)	14.75 lbf⋅ft14.75 lbf⋅ft20 N⋅m
All other modifications	18.44 lbf⋅ft18.44 lbf⋅ft25 N⋅m

Please be noted that all capacities listed here are approximate. Check fluid levels when adding or refilling as recommended in your 1988 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback user's manual. Keep in mind that all information here is provided “as is” without any warranty of any kind.

Before doing any DIY service please check your insurance policy and Volkswagen warranty policy for your region. In some regions DIY service may invalidate your warranty.

Maintenance Items

Engine Fastener Tightening Specifications
Front Suspension Fastener Tightening Specifications
Rear Suspension Fastener Tightening Specifications
Transmission Fastener Tightening Specifications

Service Intervals

Conquer your fears and never give up!

DIY car service is not as difficult as it looks like and it might save you thousands of dollars per year. It might be even fun and a good thing to do with your kids on a weekend to teach them how basic machinery works. It's really hard to screw something up and damage your car permanently if you use right tools, follow Volkswagen Golf Hatchback service manual and use right parts and fluids in prescribed amounts. Even modern cars stuffed with electronics can be serviced in your garage or even in your driveway. Changing engine oil, brake fluid, ATF, replacing brake pads, and etc. It's all may be done by yourself in a mater of a couple of hours.

Doing basic service for your 1988 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback you're not only saving money, but also also improving your technical skills and learning something new.

1988 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback generations

In 1988 Volkswagen offered 2 generations of the Golf Hatchback. Engine fastener tightening specifications may vary in different generations. Be sure that you are looking at the rigt modification.

Second generation first facelift

Type 19E, Type 1G1

1988 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback Second generation Engine Fastener Tightening Specifications

Table of Contents

Conquer your fears and never give up!

1988 Volkswagen Golf Hatchback generations

Second generation first facelift

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback Second generation model years

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