worn engine - oily plugs

Post by **ermie571** » 06 Jun 2007, 07:55

My 1.9dg is showing signs of being worn....

slow loss of oil - no leaks - but oily plugs and heavy black deposits on plugs. So, burnig oil/ and or running rich. Replaced plugs and leads this weekend, so can plot how quickly the plugs coke up. Running on LPG, so should keep the plugs clean thus ruling out the running rich scenario. Any black should therefore be oil, correct?

My immediate question is......is it now likely to FAIL MOT on emmissions? I have til next January to sort.

Have a "spare" 1.9 to put in - hopefully this weekend find out what state that is in. Then to decide whether to rebuild the current engine or find a passat block. At what point do peeps feel we write off the wasserboxer? The engine is quiet, doesn't guzzle water, and doesn't overheat. Starts first time on the gas, and pulls well.

thanks
Emma

Post by **Ian Hulley** » 06 Jun 2007, 11:01

Yes, you're likely to fail on emissions.... either running too rich or burning oil will get a high hydrocarbon reading.

On gas you should just get a light grey,almost dusty plug deposit, and that's it.

Sorry,Ian.

As to when you give up on your DG .. it depends what's wrong .. this sounds like either a set-up fault or (more likely) knackered piston rings. If it's the rings you could swat the other motor in and rebuild the existing one. The cost depends how much you can or are willing to do yourself, I'd have thought perhaps £150 - £200 as a guestimate to rebuild it yourself ? (rebore liners,piston rings,gasket sets,headbolts,pushrod tubes) Of course the words 'Worms' and 'Can' spring to mind.

Post by **ermie571** » 06 Jun 2007, 11:57

Ian,

thanks for your reply - pretty much as I thought.

Gives us some options to explore....hubby wants to try rebuilding

as well as exploring an alternative engine (passat??)

shall have to see what occurs. At least we are prepared.

Cheers

Emma

Post by **Ian Hulley** » 06 Jun 2007, 13:42

Try having a chum compression test your existing DG ... that will show you if one particular cylinder is tekkin the P. You may get away with doing one side ... if you're lucky. If all are oily and fouled it shows 'significant' engine wear.

I'm sure hubby will find plenty of info on rebuilding a DG ... last I heard was to avoid the GSF gasket sets 'cos there was (and I repeat WAS) a dodgy batch of them. The barrels can be rebored and you'll get matching over-sized piston ring sets to suit. Valves and seats will re-cut. Pushrod tubes are best replaced and sealed.

Guess the motto is 'Cut corners now and it end's in tears later'

Ian.

Post by **andysimpson** » 06 Jun 2007, 18:52

It normally needs big oil consumption to fail on emissions. Maybe turn lpg in quarter of a turn and see if plugs get better.

Post by **wasserleaker** » 07 Jun 2007, 20:29

if you decide to rebuild. . . as far as i know no oversize pistons available so its re-hone and new rings, keep same pistons [if your'e lucky and not much bore or piston wear] or new pistons, rings and liners. assuming thats the cause of the oilyness, poss worth having valve guides replaced and seats recut, new valves while its apart.
can reccomend Elring gasket sets. OEM suppliers to many car makers, and very good quality.

Post by **ermie571** » 07 Jun 2007, 21:37

Thanks to peeps for responses.

Looks like it will stay in for a bit just to see how bad the new plugs get in a short space of time. May even find someone who can emissions test to give advice. Will deffo get it pressure tested.

then will be back with more questions, no doubt!!!

Emma

Post by **toomanytoys** » 08 Jun 2007, 13:46

When did this all happen? didnt mention it on Tues?
could have had a chat about that.. and a look see....

Post by **toomanytoys** » 08 Jun 2007, 13:47

When did this all happen? didnt mention it on Tues?
could have had a chat about that.. and a look see....

Post by **ermie571** » 08 Jun 2007, 14:30

Si,
Remember I spoke to you about a small oil leak when we swapped bumpers on the motorway?? Also that it smoked on start-up - you said it was a "worn engine" symptom. Have sussed the oil leak - pressure sender, but stupidly put the wrong one in

so that has to be rectified. Changed plugs and leads at same time and saw how bad the plugs are - kept for future reference, but looks BAAAAD. Thanks for the offer, but didn't want to pressure you into servicing the van. Specially if you weren't prepared!!!

However......it aint gonna go away....so next time you are over, and emptying our garage which will be full of more gubbins on Sunday.....perhaps we could have a chat/look/engine swap....

By then it will have run a while, and we can see how bad the plugs are.
Note to self: Go home and write the mileage down so you know when the new plugs went in.....

Post by **MikeB** » 09 Jun 2007, 15:07

I have a compression tester here Emma, if you need one.

Mike.

Post by **ermie571** » 09 Jun 2007, 20:34

Mike.....

looks like I shallbe heading your way with said vehicle sometime, then.....

may as well know the worst!!!

thanks
Emma