Need a recommendation for a Diesel engineer.

Post by **Hypnovan** » 06 Apr 2008, 12:51

Hello folks,

Can anyone recommend a diesel engineer in the Brighton area?

I've just bought an Atlantic and we're going away in it in a few week's time. Before going away, I want a 'VW specialist' to have a good look at my 1.6Td engine to make sure it's all hunky-dory and if not, to fix whatever needs doing before we go on our tour of Europe.

I guess what i'm asking for is a recommendation. I live in Brighton so anywhere around these parts would be handy though if it means going further, I will, if it's one of those old fellas who listen to engines as if they are listening to music - know wot I mean? I want my engine to have what it needs and I want to give it the best chance I can.

Tomorrow DVLA registration and more techie research into 1.6Td's, Tuesday find a place to fit Alarm and Radio followed by techie research into bits and pieces for the interior.

Many thanks,

Hypnovan

Post by **dridgy** » 06 Apr 2008, 16:14

as long as it starts sounds and runs ok, then i wouldnt worry to much.
you could spend time and money getting some old bloke to check it all out and it could still blow up next week.
just go for it.

Post by **HarryMann** » 06 Apr 2008, 16:16

...but European recovery cover would be wise

Post by **Hypnovan** » 06 Apr 2008, 16:25

A Flux offer 30 days Eu recovery!? 30 days with no possibility of an extension.

We're going for longer and have upto 6mths EU insurance through them so I now need to buy another breakdown cover. Any suggestions?

thanks,

Post by **Simon Baxter** » 06 Apr 2008, 20:49

Set tappets, they will have never been done.
Check/replace cambelt and tensioner.
Set pump timing.
remove and have the injectors tested.

Post by **andysimpson** » 06 Apr 2008, 21:10

Simon Baxter wrote:Set tappets, they will have never been done.
Check/replace cambelt and tensioner.
Set pump timing.
remove and have the injectors tested.

What he said.

Post by **Hypnovan** » 06 Apr 2008, 21:28

Thank you very much fella's. I hope one day to be able to return the favour. Any other useful advice will be rewarded with Beer or Tea, depending on your preference.

Post by **Simon Baxter** » 06 Apr 2008, 22:35

Hypnovan wrote:A Flux offer 30 days Eu recovery!? 30 days with no possibility of an extension.

We're going for longer and have upto 6mths EU insurance through them so I now need to buy another breakdown cover. Any suggestions?

thanks,

NFU.

Post by **T'Onion** » 07 Apr 2008, 06:39

Hypnovan wrote:A Flux offer 30 days Eu recovery!? 30 days with no possibility of an extension.

We're going for longer and have upto 6mths EU insurance through them so I now need to buy another breakdown cover. Any suggestions?

thanks,

ADAC

do a search on here

Post by **Hypnovan** » 08 Apr 2008, 20:51

I realise this thread is wandering about like a drunk bear who forgot it was a bear but today I bought new filters for my Atlantic 1.6Td and I wanted to share this with you. It does relate to the original posting about finding a mechanic - which I have now done - and it's going for diagnostics next Thursday, followed by a chat and a service.

I'm not unable to use tools so I set about changing, what i have on other vehicles found to be the easiest part, the air filter. What on earth were VW thinking when they desigend the air filter?! You have to remove the whole filter casing as a whole unit just to change the bloody filter!! This is most definitely not the level of engineering I have come to expect from VW. Then my brain engaged and caused a moment of clarity.

Of course the van was designed by VW and the interior by Westfalia, so some clever interior designer didn't realise that directly below the rear cupboard which has shelves in, is the engine bay and more pertinently, the air filter. Dunno about you lot but I found it to be awkward to say the least.

Tomorrow's job, after finding a decent alarm guy to fit a decent alarm, is to once more remove the whole filter housing unit, give the area a damn good clean and also replace the corrugated silver ventilation pipe which runs below the filter and which somebody else managed to rip holes in the last time the filter was changed. I also found a skinny,flexible, braided pipe that runs to the turbo and it has been resting against something which has rubbed against it until it's worn out. Can't be a good thing, so that'll be chaged too.

I also noticed that the rocker cover is rusty and I want to have a nice shiny one so any tips would be good. Are rocker covers easy to remove or are there hidden dangers? Do I need to replace the gasket if I remove the rocker cover?

Clutch is high so will need changing too. Which clutch do I need?

Answer if you fancy it. Hope you enjoyed reading it anyway.

Post by **keytouch** » 20 Apr 2008, 17:22

Set tappets, they will have never been done.

Is there some kind of very simple, idiot proof guide for setting the tappets?

Post by **Simon Baxter** » 20 Apr 2008, 19:44

Unless you have access to lots of spare shims and a few special tools then no.
it can be don the old way, which means removing the cam, which will mean other special tools to set the cam timing!
take it to someone who can, who has the tools, and the spare shims.

Post by **keytouch** » 20 Apr 2008, 20:07

So what kind of ball park figure (very rough idea) might I be looking at to get this done if I was to take the camper up to Huddersfield? (please feel free to PM me Mr Baxter)

Post by **Simon Baxter** » 20 Apr 2008, 21:49

about an hours labour, plus shims.

Post by **keytouch** » 20 Apr 2008, 21:53

May I enquire as to the hourly rate?