Get old engine fixed / or get a new engine?

[marandali]

Basically I'm after a bit of advice from people on which path to take.

Our van (F reg 1988 watercooled 1.9 dg petrol) is currently only running on 3 cylinders. Investigation is showing that cylinder 3 has no compression and the exhaust valve is burnt out. The compression on cylinders 2 & 4 seem fine. Cylinder 1 was okay but not great.

Trying to decide on whether to:

A) Try and get the engine taken apart and fixed.
B) Get a replacement bare engine.

I've heard these engines can be trouble to get apart and fix. So wasn't sure whether it might be worth biting the bullet and getting a recon engine. If option B) then where would be a well priced reputable option to get one from?

Cheers

[tforturton]

They can be troublesome - a lot depends on the care it's received in the past, mileage, etc. Rebuilt ones are available, but it's a bit of a lottery. Check out all the threads about Elite Engines on here. Ask around, stick a wanted ad up - but unless you want to spend big, a second hand one is probably the way to go. There's a 1.9 engine on ebay at the moment. Could be a cheap fix to get you back on the road.

[itchyfeet]

If it drives on 3 cylinders which it should then consider driving it to somebody like Campershack who can most likely fix it.

I would not touch an ebay engine or a mechanic who isn't familiar with these engines.

Recon engines are discuseed regularly, they are a lottery unless you pay 2k upwards because thats what a proper recon costs.


http://www.thecampershack.co.uk/aboutus.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[shepster]

If it's a valve issue get the head refurbed.

[Ian Hulley]

If it's a valve issue get the head refurbed.

Like the man says ^^ Just don't leave it too long. I'm sure Campershack or Brickwerks etc will do it for you IF they can fit you in.

Ian

[marandali]

So from what I'm gathering Elite engines and Just Kampers (Vege) recon engines are a bit of a lottery.... some good, some bad.

Yep the van does still runs fine. Just a bit slow!
So if I go down the route of getting the head refurbished can anyone recommend someone a bit closer to Worcestershire?

[T3luestar]

I've never used them myself and I know they're not on your doorstep, but heard a lot of good things about MV engineering....... https://m.facebook.com/mvengineering/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;