Engine issues

[Spud man john]

I spent some time at the weekend investigating the various issues on the van that I've suffered during the summer. (1988 Autosleeper Trouper, 1.9 DJ totally standard, 120,000 miles)

Losing coolant: I have looked at what I've added over the summer and I know now its lost 1.5 litres over 1000 miles. Loses more from cold, long journeys it loses less. I inspected it closely and I can see that it is losing the coolant through the water jacket seal, predominantly around cylinder 3/4. I can tell that only by the crystalised anti freeze on the block - you can't see any loss by eye.

Stalling in traffic when hot after some time (as per other thread i raised on here): Found the coil was out of tolerance, changed that and so far so good. I'm not convinced though. Have also changed accelerator pump and rudimentary carb cleaning

Anyone know of a specialist who I can trust in the Essex (billericay) area? I reckon that worst case I'm looking at probably engine rebuild or recon, fuel lines and carb refurb all of which is too strong for my skills!

Cheers,
JN

[itchyfeet]

1.5l in 1000 miles isn't so bad, you could try K seal and see if it slows it down.

If you have the money go for it but head seals carries risk, broken head studs are a real danger especially if it's been leaking coolant, air gets in at the source of leak and air is what is needed for rust to thrive inside.

If you do go for it consider travelling to somebody who really knows these WBX engines well and has a great reputation like Campershack.

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

A few hours driving will pay off but as with all good mechanics you will have to wait a couple of months for engine work.

There is somebody local to you but they have very mixed reviews so I won't mention them.

[Spud man john]

Thanks - yep I've heard of those people close who shall remain nameless. Not for me - If I go down the recon route I'll pay the money and put a proper remanufactured one in.

I cant see me ever selling the van even when the kids are older so I will look on it as investment

Thanks for the tip. just had a look and its 2.5 litres not 1.5 (I have 2ltr bottles!) so I may well have a look at campershack

[itchyfeet]

Also worth noting that coolant can travel, it may be leaking elsewhere and running along a pipe then dripping.

[kevtherev]

Later engines tend not to snap studs on head removal
I would certainly repair this.
Junking a perfectly good engine for a little fixable leak seems a bit OTT to me.

[itchyfeet]

Later engines tend not to snap studs on head removal
I would certainly repair this.
Junking a perfectly good engine for a little fixable leak seems a bit OTT to me.

You're right but I just picked up a DJ with badly corroded and broken studs so it does happen sometimes.
I agree get it fixed if you have the money for a recon then you can afford to take the risk.

[what2do]

Campers hack may be a trek but you'll only need to go there once. Choose a different 'reconditioner' and multiple breakdowns, visits may be involved. You know it makes sense

[itchyfeet]

Campers hack

not the best advertising slogan I ever saw

[ajsimmo]

Lol made us sound like a breakers. If so, you would indeed only need to go the once! But we don't break vans on principal, as they are (almost) all fixable.

Thanks all for the votes of confidence - very much appreciated.

[Spud man john]

I'm in Essex so that is one hell of a trek (at 50mph

Other than the coolant leak, it doesn't overheat and seems to run OK though it does seem gutless (I guess they all do)
Leaks oil from the sump plug. Exhaust will fall to bits for sure if I drop the engine. Van is completely original so I would love to keep the original engine though.

What should decent a compression test result show? Maybe that could sway my thinking

[Spud man john]

I'm certain the leak is from both waterjacket seals. Top of one of the seals is coming away - perished rubber. Crystalised antifreeze right next to both the jacket seals

Maybe I will look at attempted repair and a carb refurb. It only does 2 or 3k a year

[a1winchester]

I'm in Essex so that is one hell of a trek (at 50mph

No - that's a nice little jolly in these vans. M11, A1 and you are there! Catch a train back - simples!

[itchyfeet]

I'm in Essex so that is one hell of a trek (at 50mph

Other than the coolant leak, it doesn't overheat and seems to run OK though it does seem gutless (I guess they all do)
Leaks oil from the sump plug. Exhaust will fall to bits for sure if I drop the engine. Van is completely original so I would love to keep the original engine though.

What should decent a compression test result show? Maybe that could sway my thinking

DJ from the Workshop manual is 11 to 14 bar new, wear limit 8 bar, difference between cylinders 3 bar
to be honest you would not want it as low as 8bar.

[what2do]

Lol made us sound like a breakers. If so, you would indeed only need to go the once! But we don't break vans on principal, as they are (almost) all fixable.

Thanks all for the votes of confidence - very much appreciated.

Oops, I'm sure you'll forgive me!

[Spud man john]

Thanks

I will do a compression test at the weekend I think

It wont get any serious long use until the spring so I've got time to investigate at least