in your garage to make future searches easy.

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⋅ft
1.6 with gasoline straight-4 1.6 L 71 HP engine (1986.2–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.6 with gasoline straight-4 1.6 L 74 HP engine (1983.8–1992.7) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.6 with gasoline straight-4 1.6 L 74 HP engine (1983.8–1992.7) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.6 with gasoline straight-4 1.6 L 74 HP engine (1983.8–1992.7) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1986.2–1991.7) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1986.2–1991.7) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 97 HP engine (1988.8–1991.7) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 i CAT with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1987.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 i CAT with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1987.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 i Syncro CAT with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1987.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 83 HP engine (1986.8–1990.1) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1984.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1984.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 89 HP engine (1984.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
All other modifications 18.44 lbf⋅ft
expand_moreCarburetion
Injection nozzle (injector) 51.63 lbf⋅ft
expand_moreCooling system
Coolant pump 7.38 lbf⋅ft
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⋅ft
Second stage 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⋅ft
Second stage 90°
Screws 7.38 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI 16V with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 127 HP engine (1986.2–1991.10) 11.06 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI 16V with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 137 HP engine (1986.2–1990.6) 11.06 lbf⋅ft
All other modifications 14.75 lbf⋅ft
expand_moreCylinder head screws
Figure 1. Cylinder head, Cylinder head screws.
Figure 1. Cylinder head, Cylinder head screws.
First stage 29.5 lbf⋅ft
Screws must be replaced. See figure 1.
Second stage 44.25 lbf⋅ft
Third stage 90°
Fourth stage 90°
Valve cover 7.38 lbf⋅ft
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⋅ft
Second stage 180°
expand_moreAll other modifications
First stage 22.13 lbf⋅ft
Second stage 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⋅ft
expand_moreM14
First stage 66.38 lbf⋅ft
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage 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⋅ft
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage 120°
Oil thread.
expand_more1.6 D (1983.8–1991.10)
M14 132.76 lbf⋅ft
Oil thread.
expand_moreWith Torx-head screws
First stage 66.38 lbf⋅ft
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage 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⋅ft
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage 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⋅ft
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage 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⋅ft
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage 90°
Oil thread.
expand_moreAll other modifications
With hexagon-head screws 132.76 lbf⋅ft
Oil thread.
expand_moreWith Torx-head screws
First stage 66.38 lbf⋅ft
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage 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⋅ft
Otherwise 14.75 lbf⋅ft
All other modifications 14.75 lbf⋅ft
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⋅ft
Screws and nuts must be replaced.
Second stage 90°
expand_moreAll other modifications
M7 18.44 lbf⋅ft
Gradually tighten screws crosswise.
expand_moreM10
First stage 44.25 lbf⋅ft
Screws must be replaced.
Second stage 90°
Main bearing 47.94 lbf⋅ft
expand_moreVibration damper
All other modifications 14.75 lbf⋅ft
expand_moreEngine control
expand_moreCamshaft timing gear
Volkswagen gasoline straight-4 1.8 Liters PL 127 HP 47.94 lbf⋅ft
Volkswagen gasoline straight-4 1.8 Liters KR 137 HP 47.94 lbf⋅ft
Volkswagen diesel straight-4 1.6 Liters ME 54 HP 33.19 lbf⋅ft
Volkswagen diesel straight-4 1.6 Liters JP 54 HP 33.19 lbf⋅ft
Volkswagen diesel straight-4 1.6 Liters JR 68 HP 33.19 lbf⋅ft
Volkswagen diesel straight-4 1.6 Liters MF 68 HP at 4500 RPM, 133 N⋅m at 2600 RPM 33.19 lbf⋅ft
All other modifications 59 lbf⋅ft
Toothed belt guard 7.38 lbf⋅ft
Toothed belt guard at the bottom 7.38 lbf⋅ft
expand_moreToothed belt guard at the top
All Volkswagen gasoline straight-4 1.8 Liters KR engines 5.16 lbf⋅ft
All Volkswagen gasoline straight-4 1.8 Liters PL engines 5.16 lbf⋅ft
All other modifications 7.38 lbf⋅ft
Toothed belt tensioning roller 33.19 lbf⋅ft
expand_moreEngine lubrication
expand_moreOil drain plug
All Volkswagen gasoline straight-4 1.8 Liters KR engines 29.5 lbf⋅ft
All Volkswagen gasoline straight-4 1.8 Liters PL engines 29.5 lbf⋅ft
All other modifications 22.13 lbf⋅ft
Oil filter housing 18.44 lbf⋅ft
expand_moreOil sump
1.6 D (1983.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.6 D with diesel straight-4 1.6 L 54 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.6 D with diesel straight-4 1.6 L 54 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
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⋅ft
1.6 TD with diesel straight-4 1.6 L 68 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI CAT with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 106 HP engine (1987.1–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI G60 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 158 HP engine (1988.8–1991.12) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI G60 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 158 HP engine (1988.8–1991.12) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
All other modifications 11.06 lbf⋅ft
expand_moreEngine management
Glow plugs 18.44 lbf⋅ft
Lambda sensor 36.88 lbf⋅ft
expand_moreExhaust system
Exhaust manifold 18.44 lbf⋅ft
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⋅ft
1.8 GTI 16V with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 137 HP engine (1986.2–1990.6) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI CAT with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 106 HP engine (1987.1–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI G60 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 158 HP engine (1988.8–1991.12) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI G60 Syncro with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 158 HP engine (1988.8–1991.12) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
1.8 GTI with gasoline straight-4 1.8 L 110 HP engine (1983.8–1991.10) 14.75 lbf⋅ft
All other modifications 18.44 lbf⋅ft

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.

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.

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback Second generation model years

Units:
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