Advice needed on tappet problem - new engine?

[Ralf85]

Do you have the skill to do the checks/advice that Kevtherev has just listed? Those are the checks that need to be made. Going back to my first message, where do you live? The chances are one of our experienced members could assist or suggest a specialist garage that knows what to check. It doesn't sound serious but a VW garage is not the best place to get advice from on such an old vehicle. They won't have a clue.

[kevtherev]

Anyone know any engineer/garage suggestions near Bristol?

I'm guessing Brizzel Patrick

[Ralf85]

Anyone know any engineer/garage suggestions near Bristol?

I'm guessing Brizzel Patrick

Missed that mate!

[mjpg]

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to speak to my garage again tomorrow and I'll see if they are game to run a few of the simpler checks before I go any further.

[Ralf85]

The chances are if they didn't know what to look for the first time, this garage will not have a clue. Somebody on here should be able to refer to somebody who knows these complicated old babies.

[123-jn]

This is not a dodgy tappet, I've been there and these things can run no problem with 'a' dodgy tappet and probably 2 or 3 (mine did). Kev is dead right this has the hallmark of something fuel or spark related. Poss blocked fuel filter in the carb inlet pipe or at the tank, even a worn pushrod in the fuel pump or bad pump. All what Kev says and check the coil and spark to each plug, also electronic ignition unit failure can cause this.
My engine has new tappets and it still rattles (unless it sound like someone is trying to hammer their way out it is probably ok)

[California Dreamin]

Hmmmmm

Not using oil
Not particularly noisey
The oil light doesn't come on
Didn't overheat
Hasn't lost its coolant

All sounds pretty positive to me and does not indicate any major issues with the basic mechanics of the engine (where do these people get there diagnosis from...its criminal)

To check the engines basic mechanical fitness the engine requires a compression check..simple as.
Given that these are likely to be OK then Kev has suggested a sensible check list. Chances are the power loss and poor idle are down to something far less serious......blocked carb filter gauze/crack in the dizzy cap/air filter blocked.

Don't panic....

Martin

[ghost123uk]

Don't panic....
Martin

I just popped in to agree with Martin and the others, don't panic

As 123-jn says ^^^ they can run and tick over even if one or more has failed to pump up correctly.

Get someone (who in Bristol is another matter ? anyone know ?) to go through Kev's list and the cause will reveal itself. Then, when it is fixed, go to that place that said "new engine mate = £3,000+" and let them know what you think of them !

[ed_the_robot]

I think it's utterly disgraceful that a garage can condemn an engine without even carrying out basic fault finding.

You loose money, end up with a whole host of new problems related to a new engine install, and your perfectly serviceable old engine gets weighed in. Brilliant

[123-jn]

The trouble is that they couldn't find where to plug the laptop in and so were completely lost.

[ghost123uk]

The trouble is that they couldn't find where to plug the laptop in and so were completely lost.

[what2do]

Hi mjpg,

These engines do seem to be a minefield for some reason.

Mike

Not sure that statement is true. There's a lot of knowledgable people on here whom attempt to diagnose vans from afar, if they had the vans on their drives I'm sure the volume of scare stories and astronomical quotes would be massively reduced!!

The engines just require some old school mechanical skills, this is where modern and none transporter friendly garages fall short. Why they can't be more honest about, I'll never understand. Mitch.

[kevtherev]

Hi mjpg,

These engines do seem to be a minefield for some reason.

Mike

Not sure that statement is true. There's a lot of knowledgable people on here whom attempt to diagnose vans from afar, if they had the vans on their drives I'm sure the volume of scare stories and astronomical quotes would be massively reduced!!

The engines just require some old school mechanical skills, this is where modern and none transporter friendly garages fall short. Why they can't be more honest about, I'll never understand. Mitch.

Nicely put chap

[JNW]

Hi
Have you resolved this one?
I have similar things going on with my van, so I might be able to suggest a few things I have tried.
I'm in Southville. You?
Julian