T.E.S. too busy to recon engine

[katie]

Hi everyone, Haven't been here for a few years sorry to say but now it's come to crunch time, just decided to go to T.E.S. in Kent? to get them to recon our exsisting engine but they are too busy to say when they can take it in!! We have a 2.0l C.U. engine 1983, wich is taking in too much air apparantly (judders at top end of 2nd, 3rd gear and going faster than 50mph). A local guy tinkered with it and stopped some air intake but it hasnt made much difference also one cylinder has gone, and carbs are buggered. So anyone know of another workshop that will take him in and do all the work (as we have no place or time, and the van is our only vehicle as the golf died reciently). We are based Southampton, so somewhere close with as good a good rep? Or do we get a T.E.S engine sent down, but again dont know of a decent mech who can fit it and deal with any probs. Got a hol in july so need to get the lellow leonard sorted!!
Big hopes Katie X

[ricicles]

sounds a bit more than the engine! when you say taking on air i guess you mean running lean. prob carbs! when you say a cylinder missing is that compression?

[AdrianC]

That doesn't sound like the kind of "internal" stuff a recon engine will resolve, Katie - it sounds more like just a damn good going round the outside of the engine - inlet manifold, gaskets, carb etc - will sort your probs if it is just running very lean.

The internals of an engine are very simple - suck, squeeze, bang, blow. A "rebuilt engine" just deals with that stuff. Not with the fuel, the exhaust, the fripperies slapped around the sides. That's the sort of stuff you transfer from the old lump to the rebuild.

Get a compression test done, get the exhaust gas analysed, and let us know what those tests come back with.

[katie]

Hi thanks for replying guys, Just to reply to quesstions asked, yes no 4 cylinder was 'low', and the carb has a problem with the thread on the anti run on valve, we think he also disconnected the the choke or something but we have to call him to confirm. he said it was drawing in air from places which was making the engine shake, he also sealed somethin we think, again we have to confirm, (sorry rubbish memories) will get back to you when we've called the matey, and done compression tests etc. Sound avice so far chaps, also reading other threads, is it worth renewing the fuel filter, and the t piece and elbow (rubber ) on servo?
fingers crossed for good results we're going away in july in the van!! Plus like I said its our daily runner, so am worried that using it more will break it quicker..optimism not my best quality!!
thanks again. Katie.

[Plasticman]

Welk I think adrian sums it up really, I wouldnt be too fussed with 1 pot low on compression, not ideal but not a holiday stopper, drwing air through perished seals /gaskets is all fixable and not too dear, throttle spindles leak but it sounds from your description that its not one single major air leak for want of a better weord but a culmination of lots of small leaks,
pity theres not someone with a little knowledge down your way , once this has been rectified then a carb tune and timing check etc and you should be on your way,
certainly by the sound of it I would NOT be looking for a rebuilt engine
Mike

[kit]

There is an Aircooled specialist under the Itchen bridge on the town side I think he is called Beatle (wrong spelling) repairs I know he does all sorts of VWs I have seen plenty of T3's there and a friend took her Golf to him a year or two back and he was very fair. Do not under any circumstances be tempted to use the guy in Allington Lane he will cost you more than just money.

[katie]

Hi all, Just to update...another friend of a friend has looked at van and found a petrol leak on right hand carb at spindle, so has greased it for now but we will need new carbs. he found a couple of leaks on hoses going from air filter, but having plugged those the van runs no differently. so will get it in local garage for compression test etc, and report back the results. (the garage under the bridge has mixed reviews, and if the curly haired owner is still there then all good but other people working there spoil the overall ratin of the place by the sounds of things, so thats another thing to check out) Katie

[katie]

Hellooo, the results are in!! Compression test shows this...no1=130, no2=125, no3=130, no4=60. Hubby talked with the owner of the garage and talked about dropping the engine to fix valve on no4, and changing the engine mounts as this may also be the cause of the juddering at over 50mph, but both said that if its not fixing the problem then you have to drop the engine to replace it anyway and pay for the extra labour too, is it not wise to just change the engine, clutch and carbs and mounts all in one drop, (checking all rubber bits too) pay for one lot of labour and know that you are starting afresh on a clean bill of health so to speak?? Also the garage under the itchen bridge is now B.C.L, and quoted me 5hours to drop our engine and 5hrs to put a recon one back in...now from what I've heard that seems about 3 hours too long each way, am I correct in thinking that? He also charges £50 an hour. Whats the general verdict folks??

[AdrianC]

Hellooo, the results are in!! Compression test shows this...no1=130, no2=125, no3=130, no4=60.

Three out of four ain't too bad... Still, at least we now know that there is some kind of internal issue in the engine, and it's not just strap-on stuff.

If ever I've got an engine out of anything, then I'll take good advantage of the easy access to do all the bits that are a pain in the bum when it's in place. OTOH, the labour's relatively low compared to the cost of an engine.