1.9 dg swop for 2.1
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1.9 dg swop for 2.1
My poor little one 1.9 is feeling tired but still has some life left in her fingers crossed. I'm just preparing for the day when it comes. Has anyone done the up grade or shall I stick to the 1.9? It's water cooled 85. Thanks
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- ghost123uk
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Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
I'd go for a 2.1, using your existing manifold and carb etc, if you can find a good one. You will certainly notice the power increase.
If you do, just make sure you change the oil and filter often, and don't over rev it. The 2.1 has a tendency to throw rods if abused
If you do, just make sure you change the oil and filter often, and don't over rev it. The 2.1 has a tendency to throw rods if abused

Got a new van, but it's a 165bhp T4 [shock horror] Accurate LPG Station map here
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Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
Loads have done it, as already said run it on existing carb is easiest.
Try and plumb the oil cooler/warmer thing in as well if possible, as yours is early water system you will need the pipes from the 2.1.
Try and plumb the oil cooler/warmer thing in as well if possible, as yours is early water system you will need the pipes from the 2.1.
2.1 DJ running on carb and LPG.
- itchyfeet
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Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
A second hand 2.1 will likely fetch the best part of 1K if its any good and it comes with no warranty.
A second hand DG will be a few hundred less and are more available.
If you can't fit it yourself add a few hundred minimum for that, often parts break like exhausts so budget for it.
Whats wrong with the curent engine?
A second hand DG will be a few hundred less and are more available.
If you can't fit it yourself add a few hundred minimum for that, often parts break like exhausts so budget for it.
Whats wrong with the curent engine?
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks
itchylinks
Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
Nothing wrong yet but it's got 150 on and it getting tired. Exhaust is buggered and studs are not coming out either. Just getting ready for the dark day.
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Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
Looking at the jk one just under 2k. Don't want to buy an old pooper
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- itchyfeet
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Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
Do you know the engine has done 150K?
Most vans will have had at least one replacement engine.
You will need to buy an exhaust anyway.
£2k is not the top end for a reconditioned DJ they go from about £1200 to maybe £4000
Most low end reconditioners will reuse anything that is still in spec even if it's close to wear limits.
How many miles a year do you do?
Is it a late DG?
Most vans will have had at least one replacement engine.
You will need to buy an exhaust anyway.
£2k is not the top end for a reconditioned DJ they go from about £1200 to maybe £4000
Most low end reconditioners will reuse anything that is still in spec even if it's close to wear limits.
How many miles a year do you do?
Is it a late DG?
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks
itchylinks
Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
Prob about 10k/year. It's an 85 but think it's the newer one?!?!
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- kevtherev
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Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
Fool wants to buy an engine from a tent seller.
Whenever you do buy a 2.1 always check its compression results and oil pressure at working temp.
It's History, and if possible hear it running.
If you can tick all four boxes then a used engine is ideal.
Buying a reconditioned engine does not always go well.
Unless you have it done properly.

Whenever you do buy a 2.1 always check its compression results and oil pressure at working temp.
It's History, and if possible hear it running.
If you can tick all four boxes then a used engine is ideal.
Buying a reconditioned engine does not always go well.
Unless you have it done properly.
AGG 2.0L 8V. (Golf GTi MkIII)
- 123-jn
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Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
Having just built myself a DJ 2.1 after about 300 miles (so not really run in) now that I have the tappets working a bit (they seem to need to wear in too) The compression is as follows
cyl1 170psi
cyl2 170psi
cyl3 165psi
cyl4 170psi
I was well pleased with these results considering the liners were odd second hand ones, honed and the pistons are all reused with new grants rings. Piston in Cylinder 4 is the exception its a new one from brikwerks with the matching grants rings. I took the kolbenschmidt rings off so they would all match. I am hoping these results may improve a fraction as the rings and bores bed in properly. So if you test a second hand one and get compression below 130 it has probably gone past it's best.
cyl1 170psi
cyl2 170psi
cyl3 165psi
cyl4 170psi
I was well pleased with these results considering the liners were odd second hand ones, honed and the pistons are all reused with new grants rings. Piston in Cylinder 4 is the exception its a new one from brikwerks with the matching grants rings. I took the kolbenschmidt rings off so they would all match. I am hoping these results may improve a fraction as the rings and bores bed in properly. So if you test a second hand one and get compression below 130 it has probably gone past it's best.
123-jn Autohomes Komet 2.1 DJ AUTO 1989 (closed loop LPG pierburg 2E3)
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- Citroen C4 Picasso 1.6 HDi
- itchyfeet
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Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
170 psi is 11.72 bar
got that and more with my DG
DG is 10 to 13 new
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 5#p8148086" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
DJ spec is 11 to 14 new 8 wear limit
8 wear limit makes a mockery of a high compression engine
got that and more with my DG

DG is 10 to 13 new
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 5#p8148086" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
DJ spec is 11 to 14 new 8 wear limit
8 wear limit makes a mockery of a high compression engine
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks
itchylinks
- Ian Hulley
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Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
itchyfeet wrote: 8 wear limit makes a mockery of a high compression engine
HighER compression injun

Ian
The Hulley's Bus
1989 2.1DJ Trampspotter
LPG courtesy of Steve @ Gasure
1989 2.1DJ Trampspotter
LPG courtesy of Steve @ Gasure
Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
So stop showing off with your sexy figures and tell me, is it worth the change and extra monies? Was thing bigger engine bigger wheels better fuel? Only an inch bigger?
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- itchyfeet
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Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
That depends on your need/want for the extra power and your budget. Alot of people have a DJ because they want it not because they need it.
If you don't tow and don't do alot of hill climbing a 1.9DG is fine IMO, you are never going to burn cars off at the lights even with a DJ
My fresh DG will happliy exceed 70mph.
If however you lived in say Cornwall where everywhere you go is up a steep hill then I'd have a DJ.
Condition is important too, is what we are saying, if the engine is tired then power could
be well down so you don't really know if a fresh DG would be OK or not because you have no point of reference.
do a compression check on your current engine
If you don't tow and don't do alot of hill climbing a 1.9DG is fine IMO, you are never going to burn cars off at the lights even with a DJ
My fresh DG will happliy exceed 70mph.
If however you lived in say Cornwall where everywhere you go is up a steep hill then I'd have a DJ.
Condition is important too, is what we are saying, if the engine is tired then power could
be well down so you don't really know if a fresh DG would be OK or not because you have no point of reference.
do a compression check on your current engine
1988 DG WBX LPG Tin Top
itchylinks
itchylinks
- kevtherev
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Re: 1.9 dg swop for 2.1
Once you fit a DJ you'll never want a DG.
makes a van much more drivable imho
makes a van much more drivable imho
AGG 2.0L 8V. (Golf GTi MkIII)