Tired Engine? T25 Westy California 1.6 TD 1990

[frankyworthy]

Hi

I have 1990 VW T25 1.6 Turbo diesel Westfalia California. It's great, everything works and goes like a bomb.

However, from time to time it spits its oil out of the back all over the tail gate and any bikes which may be there. Annoying. This doesn't have to be at great speed and probably on a longish journey not out and about.

I am told by my VW Audi mechanic that the engine is tired. I imported it from Germany so the extensive service history etc is suggesting it has done 200,00 km.

So. OPTIONS? For peace of mind a new engine might be the answer but what, where from and how much? Recons? Can I go for a VW 1.9 Tdi option? Who has any answers?

Grateful for any insight or experience, tips etc

Thanks

[Hacksawbob]

Same van here, now with an AAZ in it, its a heavy beast and the extra grunt is great although a well looked after 1.6 is a good engine there's quite a bit of knowlege that can make an AAZ conversion either a nasty bodge or looks 'factory' mine is the former! there are some interesting options available now for the TDI syncroandy has developed a wiring loom for the conversion for the 1Y electrics. There is a 'alternative engine' sub forum here and this post may well be moved there, thats the place to start rooting about for information on the subject. Also put your approximate location it may help as someone at the other end of the country might not be as useful as one around the corner!


But before you go there. oil on the tail gate could well be coming from the turbo into the exhaust if (it would create blue smoke if it was) or from the engine leaking oil from one of the many seals on the engine bay its a nasty job to try and find it but dip stick, oil filter cooler and sump seals are likely candidates. If the engine goes like a bomb and isn't burning oil leading to blue smoke then a leaking seal is most likely. Get some jizer give it all a clean down and see where its coming from. It may well only leak under load so there wont be too much while its standing, but the odd drip after a run will tell you where to look. A mechanic who just says the engine is "tired" translates to me like "its too old for me to make any easy money out of and I can't be bothered to do any procedures that involve me spending hours getting my hands dirty for little return"

[Oldiebut goodie]

A mechanic who just says the engine is "tired" translates to me like "its too old for me to make any easy money out of and I can't be bothered to do any procedures that involve me spending hours getting my hands dirty for little return"

Or find a backstreet garage where the mechanics are over 60 and understand real engines.
There are so many garages now that won't touch anything that they can't plug their OBD reader into and be told what the problem might be.

[Ian Hulley]

As you know I don't 'do' diesel T25s but ... define 'Tired' because a previous wbx owner's aspirations were unrealistic, his engine was probably as good as any 1.9 using technology from the early 80's meets the late 50's could ever be.

Could just be another case of 'boughtthewrongvan' syndrome.

Ian

[frankyworthy]

Hi and thanks so far,

What is an an AAZ?


I'm having my garage look at it tomorrow, the ones who do my Audi and, yes, I think they are the new generation plug in the diagnostic types which is fine for my car.

After that I'm taking it to an old traditionalist who 'knows' diesels and VWs particularly who will no doubt have a feel for it. I'm thinking of taking it to France in the summer so need to know it will be up for it.

[frankyworthy]

Hi

I'm new to this although I've had the van for 4 years without any problems.

But some of the abbreviations are a bit 'foreign'.

What's a wbx?

I don't think it's the 'wrong' van as so much works and is in great nick. Bought from a very very careful German fusspot and imported it.

Based in Manchester btw.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Hi

I'm new to this although I've had the van for 4 years without any problems.

But some of the abbreviations are a bit 'foreign'.


Based in Manchester btw.

Where is btw?

[grenjs]

What's a wbx?

http://bit.ly/FQziQL

[Ian Hulley]

What's a wbx?

Wasser BoXer = watercooled horizontally opposed petrol engine.

Ian

[kevtherev]

"tired"... like it's a living thing?
Engines don't get tired they get leaky and worn, and unlike us where a rest will do us good , an engine needs replacement parts.

Unless the engines power is bothering you and you wanted a more powerful engine (Suffixed AAZ engine fitted to various VW's, Seats, Audi's,) then fixing the annoying problem would be a lot cheaper.

[Ian Hulley]

People buy these vans with what I call 'Jamie Oliver Syndrome' ... dreaming of perfect evening barbeques on golden Cornish beaches with their mates and pretty girlfriends playing in the perfect sunset.

The reality is that most if not all the standard engines are comparitively slow and all have a prodigious thirst compared to 'modern' cars and vans, people want fancy alloy wheels and tyres and tiny steering wheels but then complain that the steering is too heavy, the engine is 'tired' and they obviously need a 'better' carb. Oh and some muppet will burn the burgers and kick yer beer over

Ian

[keith]

hi...i recently swopped my JX for a 1.9tdi (AHU code from a Golf)

a guy in Telford (MV engineering) did all the work...everything including sourcing all of the bits...for what I think was very good value.

if you fancy seeing the difference between a JX and a TDI ( in a similar weight van.) I would be happy to take you for a spin in mine as im not far from you (Stoke)

I had the JX in my westy for 4 years...went to France 3 times and it never missed a beat.

However ...I wish I had done the TDi thing years ago.....i know everyone says it...but its a totally different van and if its a keeper then its money well invested in my opinion.

the traffic jams are now in front...not behind...if you know what i mean

[Hacksawbob]

Ok Manchester not too far. There is AW engineering in Darwen who will re-condition your engine for you, or swap it out with one on the self http://vwenginerecon.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; probably around the 2K mark. I had mine done there and I can't complain about the reconditioned lump I got back. They have a local lot who fitted it for me (separate company) and I wasn't as impressed with them but AW wont entertain warranty unless its installed properly. I can PM more details if you go down that route. Simon baxter is a founder of 80-90 based in Huddersfield at http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; always has a quite a long waiting list but he is "diesel friendly".

[Evsi]

Hopefully your mechanics will find the problem with it.

The JX is a great engine if looked after and not messed around with. I've just put a turbo on mine as it was partial to exiting oil through the exhaust seal , but i can't fault how it pulls my van around - even does 88mph (tops) like off of back to the future

[keith]

88 in a jx powered t3 is going some.....