Recon engine - is there anything I need to think of??

[D&DCAMPA]

History:
1985 1.9 DG Petrol

VW owner listens to my engine and says 'you're running on 3 cylinders', do all the home checks and changing leads/plugs etc, and diagnosis is running on 3. so take to our mechanic who carries out compression checks etc and confirms it. now, until I'd driven it that day it was driving nicely, no temp problems, no starting problems, but on the way back from the garage it cut out everytime I came to a junction and on low revs. Next time I started it I got the delightful scream of the 'BUZZER OF DOOM'!!!

So looks like I am looking at a recon engine - not keen on getting second hand after reading stories of people replacing them and them still going wrong, and we're not very competant mechanics!!

Local mechanic quoted £1700 all in straight swap, or Elite have said I can upgrade to a 2.1 with a collection service and fitting for £1400.
(I am aware of the views of some people on here about Elite, however there are people I trust that have used them with no problems so Ive no hesitation in using them)

I just wanted to check if I was missing something before I go ahead and book it in??

Thank you in advance as always!!

[toomanytoys]

Yes.. they will assume everything is usable that comes off your engine.. ie exhaust, clutch waterpump etc etc.. if any bits are not useable or cant be salvaged.. then start adding on more and more cash...

IMHO.. fitting a new engine without installing a new water pump thermostat and clutch is false economy..

[D&DCAMPA]

Yes.. they will assume everything is usable that comes off your engine.. ie exhaust, clutch waterpump etc etc.. if any bits are not useable or cant be salvaged.. then start adding on more and more cash...

IMHO.. fitting a new engine without installing a new water pump thermostat and clutch is false economy..

Thank you for that, just a couple of questions....
Elite did mention that if any items needed replacing on the way they would let me know but said it shouldnt cost any more than £100. Would a clutch normally be replaced as standard? and would it need to be changed as Im going from a 1.9 to a 2.1?
also cant see anywhere about a water pump thermostat - is that the water pump itself or something thats brought seperate?

I suppose that whichever garage I choose they are going to have the same 'additions', just need to know im gonna have enough saved before booking it in!

[ermie571]

Hi Diane,

thermostat seperate to water pump.

clutch...when i went from 1.9 to 2.1 I was fine....clutch wasn't changed. Folks suggest changing as its easy while engine out....if you don't know how old yours is its worth doing as you won't have to pay for the labour to remove the engine.

water pump...mine was fine and is still fine....but again, not expensive if you want to replace while its all out.

Fingers crossed your exhaust all ok.

Hope that helps

Em
xx