fix or sell van with engine problems

[nqm]

Hi 80-90 members,

We have a 1987 T25 Caravelle 2.1litre MV engine, auotmatic with Digifant fuel injection, American import. I’ve had the van a year now with no problems till recently. Have driven around France this summer no problems (5 kids and two adults!). I’m after some opinions from members about whether to keep and invest in the van or to sell and buy another…We started getting some erratic behavior with the engine cutting out at random, then the engine stopped running altogether after xmas (boxing day tow, oh joy!), but a new dizzy fixed the immediate non-running problem. We then took the van to a reputable VW garage to take a look and they gave us a very extensive list of problems with the engine (190,000 miles thus far) and cooling system. They recommended replacing the MV engine as it hadn’t been serviced properly for a long, long time, rusted screws, oil leaks all over etc etc and is close to failing altogether. The mechanic said we should sell the van. Although we could get a second opinion, they reckoned £5-6K needed to sort the problems, far more than we paid for the van and probably what the van would be worth to resell. Obviously there are annual costs running these vans but this is not a maintenance cost and my limited van knowledge doesnt extend to replacing the engine myself. So the question is whether we should get the work done or should cut our losses and sell and buy another rather than using all our savings to get the van reliable and back on the road…I know this question begs quite subjective answers eg do we want to keep it for the long term or short term but opinions to help us decide would be very gratefully received…The bodywork is in excellent condition, I love the 2.1 l engine, the van seats all seven of us and perhaps its better the devil you know…but then maybe i'm too emotionally attached to the van to make a rational decision...

Many thanks for any thoughts...

Nqm

[kit]

5 to 6 grand to sort the engine is a joke, you can get one fitted from Elite engines for under a grand. (I might be wrong as I know little about petrol engines)

[billybigspud]

That is mental. 5-6k!!!! I wonder how much a scooby conversion?

[Nij]

Well as I see it, a recon engine or even a engine conversion.
You could get a Subaru engine fitted and LPG for less than half I bet, or even a TDi transplant for about quater!

[R0B]

They are taking the urine. I would be looking for another garage.If i was you.

they reckoned £5-6K needed to sort the problems

[ghost123uk]

Ridiculous, you could swap the entire engine and entire cooling system for less than half of that

Oh and hello, by the way

Hi 80-90 members,

We have a 1987 T25 Caravelle 2.1litre MV engine, auotmatic with Digifant fuel injection, American import.

Sounds nice Neil, (cept for LHD )

[kevtherev]

rusty screws, a few oil leaks....and an oil change

tell you what I'll do you a favour and fix it up for half that




is this an April fool

[billy739]

interesting to see the list and your faults. surely if it now drives can you just carry on ?

5-6k seems a lot ,perhaps they dont want the job?

but if there going oem parts where possible it may be high.

perhaps they are banking on lots of parts

exhaust , clutch , w/pump , cooling pipes , flywheel , carb ,radiator , cat converter - i have seen exhaust supply and fit receipts for £750 alone ,

labour rates at £50-£100 hr

it will certainly add up

[nqm]

Hi,

Thanks for all your quick responses, apologies that its not a detailed mechanical question and sadly its not an April fool…all comments helpful as they confirm my suspicion that its vastly overinflated quote.. but given the poor oil pressure, oil leaks all over, engine overheating, power loss, corroded studs and cracked engine mountings, a new or recon engine may be on the cards, assuming you can still buy a quality 2.1 l MV engine ? Kev thanks for the offer, if it’s a serious one, though I wouldn’t trust the van to get to Wolverhampton at the moment…

Cheers

nqm

[Ian Hulley]

We need to see the report but it's the value and condition of the bodywork + interior against the cost of replacing whatever this (potentially pi$$-taking) garage consider needs doing.

Ian

[billy739]

cracked engine mountings? thats an interesting one , and probably extra on the engie cost

[California Dreamin]

Cracked engine mounts ....did all four of mine on my 2.1 MV a fourtnight ago, total cost £34.00 and about an hour and a half to complete.
A good used MV (they do come up for sale from time to time) about £500...swap over in under a day.
Otherwise Elite Recon....give them a bell.
Even with a few bits n pieces I can't see this totally more than £1500 - £1800.....even cheaper if you do it yourself.
Of course it all depends on the list of faults...

AND....I think I'm right is saying Elite will collect and deliver...definately worth a phone call.

http://www.elitevw.com/products.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Martin

[billy739]

so are we talking split rubbers?

[kevtherev]

of course we are billy ... again vw made them simple to get at

[Oldiebut goodie]

Do I hear the sound of tiny vans on the way here? (split rubbers)