HELP!!! Urgent engine advice for newbie t25 camper owner

[dr zoidberg]

hi all

we have just bought a 1980 orange and cream devon conversion and nightmare of all nightmares, the engine has gone pop!!

our mechanic says the piston has gone and we are better off with a new one. its aa 1600 air cooled petrol vege replacement in at present. what options are the best? is a new mexican engine a good idea?

How about laurie pettite rebuilding mine with more gumpfh and twin carbs etc?

typically cost and of course reliability are my prime concerns here though i really am stuck as to what to do!?

we have owned this beast for 4 days and are already hooked on it!!

we are based in bath so any help/recommendations are greatfully received!

many thanks

Evan

[Diamond Hell]

Laurie is retired.

Try MAD VW workshops in Bristol for an engine replacement - 0117 935 2200 Arthur is the bloke to speak to.

Alternatively you could try Audi Volks on 0117 986 8644. I don't know them as well, but their reputation is good.

As you're Aircooled (I'm so sorry), your options are limited. Your best bet is to source a 2.0 CU engine and get that fitted for more goes and less likelihood of engine death (which will happen again).

[blurb55]

Hi, have been Aircooled for years until acquiring the T25 - ran a standard recon 1600 in my 69 Dormobile for 5 years without a murmur. They will run and run if you remember oil, tappets, timing and to keep unwanted stuff out of the air intake and fan housing (lost a beetle engine by a rag covering the Oilcooler after being sucked into the fan housing, dropped valve on Cylinder 3).

If looking for an engine supplier perhaps a look at www.vwmagazine.co.uk may help.

[missusjen]

I love the Aircooled, for friendliness of engine bay mechanicking, and the 'phut phut' sound.....it's almost worth drilling a hole in the exhaust......

[cumbriankeith]

Laurie is not retired fully - he is doing a couple of days each week and not doing fitting nor much in the way of deliveries - he needs to look after his back, which is worn out just like mine. He rebuilt me an engine just before Christmas and its great, just like they always are by all accounts.
Steve Shaw will do engine rebuilds and he's a bit closer to you than Laurie (Chester rather than North Berwick!)