Club 80-90 Forums

I would look for another lump but not worry too much about the one you have... if you go to any shows in your van look at some of the 5h1te that comes out of the back of other vans if it's settling down once it's warm then it shouldn't deteriorate too much more for a good while unless your working the engine really hard (caravans/making it drive at 60-70mph everywhere etc) and/or doing mega milage

Keep an eye out for old
passats/golfs/polo's as the diesel block are all very similar and nearly all are usable in your van - just be aware that when buying any engine for these vehicles invariably they have all now done many many miles; some of which have had a harder life than others! ask about on here as (put a wanted ad out) there are loads of folks with diesel's/links to suppliers/folks that can refurb if you wish

Cheers Dugcati..

Ill keep on using the van, but keep my eye out for a decent replacement. I'll also make a few calls and see what getting the existing engine reconed will cost me

Thanks again for all your help matey!

no prbs.... it's what these forums are all about

I don't know much technically. But I know when I had a compression test I got 4 results - due to 4 cylinders (?). And knowing which one is low can help diagnosis.

... however I have a petrol so I probably shouldn't even be commenting

alkers wrote:I don't know much technically. But I know when I had a compression test I got 4 results - due to 4 cylinders (?). And knowing which one is low can help diagnosis.

... however I have a petrol so I probably shouldn't even be commenting

Completely correct on the 4 results thing - you get a reading for each cylinder so the low one/s tell you where a problem lies. As for saying you shouldn't be commenting.. don't be silly!

Its the same idea for petrol and diesel - you just get much higher compression readings from a diesel as it has to squash the air/fuel mix really hard before it ignites

Hi , would you say it takes a bit to get started or does the engine fire strait up
Is there many oil leaks - if the compression is low possibly blowing past the rings then engine breather pipe will be really blowing and would expect plenty oil leaking from ( oil seals ) around breather pipe fittings
the said compression reading is very close to the 1.9dg petrol engine , the normally aspirated 1.6 diesel had a reading of 34bar when warm ( wear limit 28bar with a max permitted difference of 5bar ) so I'd think the 1.6td should be just below these figures . compression can also be lost through valves not seating , I've just reset an engine that was very difficult to start ,it needed re-shimming as only had full compression on one cylinder

I think it might be best to get a second opinion and have another compression check might work out cheaper in the long run . it might point towards just having the pump timing adjusted ( make sure its current position is marked .

Hi Phil,

The engine starts without any issues, other than the significant smoke and a bit rattly. When warmed up the odd 'poof of smoke' but generally runs fine when going.

There are a couple of small oil leaks, but nothing too significant and causing oil level to noticbly drop. The biggest one being a bit of oil collecting in a small puddle in one of the grooves down from where the injectors are.

You have confirmed what the diesel guy i saw said, i.e. the just under 34 bar is where it should be compression wise.

Do you know anyone in Manchester who would be good to look at this for me? I am just concerned that all the smaller bills are begninning to mount up, and may be better to just cut my losses and swallow the cost of a recon

Thanks again,
Mike

Hi, well if it starts ok I'd have thought the compression to be higher , you say it rattles a bit and coughs when warm I'd try adjusting the pump ,can be done by just slightly moving its position either side of its current marked position , its correct setting - number one on firring stroke and TDC set I think should be about 0.86mm ,
when warm and you pull the pump advancement ( choke type ) knob how does the engine react ?

Oil below injectors is this possibly coming from head gasket ?

personally I'd rather fit a later type engine than to have a re-con JX I've seen too many have problems after recons but thats more from the days when fleets used them , its still possible to find good low mileage engines in seat/skoda cars , not sure of anyone round the Manchester area