Help! cylinder heads cracked, alternative engine?

[shawker]

Hi All

I'm sure there are hundreds of other threads out there, but I'm struggling to find the correct links. What I hoped would be a relatively simple job of changing the head gaskets on my T25 1.9petrol 1984 van is turning into a continuation of the nightmare we suffered in southern France this year. Head gaskets were blown and we had to get towed from south of France back to Devon! On inspection, both heads are definitely cracked and I'm now unsure which direction to go. I've been advised that because both the heads are cracked (one crack can be seen visually) it must of got pretty hot! As a result, I'm worried about the implications of replacing both heads-what further damage might lie waiting in the block. Should I go down this route or do I consider dropping in a new engine? If I were to do the later, I would much rather put in a diesel if possible as it would hopefully save a few pounds down the road? I've managed to find a source for all the extra parts from a diesel van that I've been told I would need and I guess an engine should be reasonably easy to find (although no guarantee it will be ok until we get it in....)
A mechanic friend is helping me with this as I've not got much of a clue where to start. Seems like both choices are a gamble as either one could turn out to have hidden problems.
Any advice most definitely welcome........

[dekhelia]

Many paths to take with this one. Could drop in a reconditioned petrol, or recondition your own. Before reconditioning yours though, you could have the block/crank/cam checked for damage etc - not expensive, and might make it easier to simply replace or recon the heads.

Then there's the diesel route. Although you'd have to have a good think about saving money 'somewhere down the line' as this might mean a line way over the horizon. Diesel is more expensive than unleaded, and the cost to convert would have to be offset also. You might find yourself only breaking even after 25,000 miles ... which may not be worth the hassle.

My advice would be (despite the fact that I have a diesel) to get your current block checked, and then make a decision after you know the result. If the block is serviceable, you could consider LPG?

If it's bad, you could go diesel - but that brings plenty of headaches all of its own, as I know only too well (and as many many threads on here will attest).

Typical diesel conversions involve the AAZ engine, or the later TDI variants. AAZ is tractor-level refinement and spannering, later TDIs are much more refined but also bring issues with electronics. A known good donor vehicle is pretty much a must, in either case.

[phil miller]

Go diesel mate, im in Devon and can help advise on parts and the like, i also have some diesel engines forsale, all come with a 90 day warranty and if needed i can sort the wiring aswell