Help/advice needed for new engine

Post by **andyntyler** » 09 Jan 2008, 13:07

Not a good start to the new year for me as the engine on my van now sounds like someone has put a bag of spanners in it!! I took it to my local garage and without taking it apart say it needs a new engine as the bottom end and crank are sh*&&£d. so a replacement is required. Any recommendations of where I should get one from, is reconditioned best or do I risk one from a scrappy?? Also what is a fair price for one??
Engine is a 1.6 td from a 1989 westy lhd California, the van is in Newbury berks and I live in Swindon.
Any help or advice will be greatly appreciated

Could have really done without this at the mo as 3 hooded P***** tried to nick my fireblade 2 weeks ago, they failed because it was locked so dropped it causing £400 of damage. Still they were chased (by my mrs in her PJ's) and the police caught them at a cut through they spent 24 hrs in custody and admitted the attempted theft, so it's down to the courts and magistrates now...

Andy

Post by **ginge** » 09 Jan 2008, 14:08

seen a couple of conversions useing seat 1.9 desiel not suposed to be to diff i belive and a bit more power and they are owned by vw any way good luck with it

Post by **andyntyler** » 09 Jan 2008, 15:09

I thought along the lines of 1.9 but the garage say there are too many other items to change / uprate so will stick with 1.6.

Post by **1664** » 09 Jan 2008, 16:14

I'm not an engine type person and don't know if this will apply to a diesel, but my petrol started making one hell of a racket and I thought it was history, but 'mercdoctor' popped round and pointed out that there are some oil filled 'pots' to do with the tappets that some times drain dry (resulting in said racket) and people have replaced engines on the strength of thinking (or being told) they're knackered. My dad's camper went for a song for the same reason. I'd run it about for a few miles and see if the pots refill and the noise disappears - it's hardly going to make matters worse.

If I'm talking out my @rse, I'm sure someone will be along in a bit to point it out.......

Post by **ginge** » 09 Jan 2008, 16:29

petrols a bit diff to desiel

Post by **1664** » 09 Jan 2008, 16:39

ginge wrote:petrols a bit diff to desiel

I know that; they're slow, chuck out crap and stink....just thought they might have tappets too

Post by **ginge** » 09 Jan 2008, 17:19

well was trying not to go into too much detail lol

Post by **ringo** » 09 Jan 2008, 17:27

Well, your in luck that you already have a turbo diesel - so your parts can go on to an AAz engine and make us all (well, the diesel fans at least) jealous.

Look at the threads in the alternative engines forum for info on that...

There are a few people on here that can do the conversion - it aint straight forward so most garages wont touch it - however, it is fairly easy for an experienced mechanic. You get what you pay for mind - and a reputable garage will charge you a lot because they have to ensure the job is done well and it doesnt come back and bite them on the ass. Some people do a really cheap nasty job and forget about you as soon as you have driven it out of the garage - be warned!

I had my engine fitted by "futbus" (Dave) i can recommend his services. We did the engine translplant in a weekend (i need the bus every day so Dave saved my skin somewhat by giving up his weekend). The only testing that was done was a quick drive round the block then i had to drive 250 miles home as thats all i had time for. I had a few teething problems which i managed to get sorted. However, i was very lucky - i bought the engine from a breakers and its a peach. Also, i have a certain amount of mechanical bollox to have a go myself - if you havent got that you need to ensure the new engine has been thoroughly tested.

Your biggest issue is going to get an engine. My advice is to get one that is in a running car. People offer guarantees on engines - but the only sure way off knowing if the engine is any good is to find out yourself by driving it.

It is worth considering getting a recon 1.6 block. The 1.6td im led to believe is a good setup - the extra oomph you get from a 1.9 AAZ isn't life changing - and it has been debated if its worth the hassle. However, getting a 1.6 recon engine aint going to be cheap. Phone your VW dealer for a quote....

I had a 1.7d - so wasnt able to go down the AAZ route. I now have the 1.9d (1Y) and im just happy that i could do the change easily. I'd have stuck with the 1.7 if i could have - but after 170k miles it kind of gave up...

Good luck and be sure to let us know what your up to...

Ringo

Post by **"WEAZLECHIN"** » 10 Jan 2008, 22:13

hey andyntyler, if the courts dont do the job(revenge is a dish best served cold)

400 quids worth

stick a 19d in the van, parts are available anywhere and 40+ mpg aint bad.

Post by **andysimpson** » 10 Jan 2008, 22:29

Sounds to me like garage want you to go away and multiply. What have they said has gone wrong apart from it needs a new engine, saying bottom end is shafted is not very detailed. Very little needs changing to go to a 1.9. I would take it to another garage.

Post by **Westy.Club.Joker** » 11 Jan 2008, 13:51

See for sale section asap mate, donor vehicle Golf with 1.9 AAZ motor for sale not to far from you.