Core Plug Popped On Today's Trip To Belgium

[Jus]

OK, the saga continues... Core plug has been replaced and the head gasket has gone which will take a week or so to be repaired. As I have heard elsewhere, the garage are offering to fit a new/recon engine this weekend (before our re-booked ferry) if I find one. Having never done this before, I am wondering what my best bet is and how much I should be expecting to pay for either a repair or a new/recon engine? Also, where should I look for an engine apart from eBay and Just Campers?

[itchyfeet]

I suggest you hire a van or buy a tent and fix the van at leisure
getting an engine quick will require removal of pants
any quick fix of current engine may well result in a large bill and if not done properly ( many garages don't remove pistons and liners to do lower seals) it may well fail again on holiday

[Jus]

Thanks for that advice... funnily enough, we had just decided to put the tent in our car and try to relax rather than blow our Euros on a cheap engine. I have to say we have lucked out with the garage we are using as two of the mechanics used to own T25's and they have been really helpful and honest with us all the way as we did rather land on them and a heavy workload this week.

[blacky]

Thats great advice from itchyfeet, never act in haste is something I've learned to my cost. If a salesman says the offer will end tomorrow,walk away. Don't make any rash decision/purchase if its over a hundred quid. Reflect on it,mull it over. You'll be glad you did.

[colinthefox]

...........and the best advice I got from this forum when doing my mates DF engine which had overheated, was to rebuild completely, as there will be all sorts of carp in the oil system leading to bottom end failures if you don't. When I stripped it down the lead on the camshaft bearings had melted into the oilways. The broken head studs and stuck thermostat bolts are all do-able with patience.

[ghost123uk]

rebuild completely, as there will be all sorts of carp in the oil system leading to bottom end failures if you don't

If it's been overheated badly, yes, but I don't think the OP's engine has overheated.

When I stripped it down the lead on the camshaft bearings had melted

Lead

[Oldiebut goodie]

Yep, white metal bearings contain lead, tin and other metals.

[ghost123uk]

Ah, I never knew the coating on modern(ish) shell bearings was a lead alloy

[Oldiebut goodie]

Like this table.



E D I T.
Haven't you ever noticed how heavy a box of new bearings is when you pick it up? It's far heavier than you would expect for such a small amount of metal. One function of the bearing is to allow small impurities that get through the oil filter to embed in the surface thus preventing wear elsewhere. Interesting function!

[ghost123uk]

[silverbullet]

Melted bearings are a sure sign that its been converted to damp air and oil cooling....