water leak

[markd]

Today i noticed a water leak from the air inlet joint (gasket) just by the spark plugs, is this just a gasket leak or is there something more serious going on, i thought the water path would not near this gasket ? never had the engine apart so not sure!!

[kevtherev]

Not a clue where you mean by the "air inlet joint"
Can you take a picture ?

[markd]

Hi #KEVTHEREV

I don't seem to be able to upload picture

If you look at the engine 1.9 petrol 84 from above, in between the spark plugs is the air inlet (i believe) from the carb its that gasket!

[markd]

Here is the picture showing where the water leak is

water leak 3.jpg

[Mocki]

The coolant will be leaking from the head bolt .
If you are lucky it's just a resel job, but it may well be a broken stud, prepare for empty pocket syndrome .

[markd]

Do i need to tighten this head bolt ? will this stop the leak from the gasket ?

[markd]

UPDATE not good

Having checked the head bolts, the forward one of the central 2 head bolts is loose, and it wont tighten just spinning, so its a broken head bolt.

Im in the Preston/Chorley Lancs area can anyone recommend a garage ?

Does anyone have an appox cost of such repair?

Thanks for your advice guys

[Mocki]

thats engine out and strip down

you best bet is prob to give Mick at NWVW a shout see if hes got any engines.... remember that early and late are interchangable , as are 1.9 and 2.1
micks number is 07968367046

[markd]

Hi #moki

Yeah I know Mick at NWVW very well, i dont want to change this engine its only done 36k original miles from new so would rather get this fixed

[markd]

Just out of interest what are your opinions on changing the engine for a fully refurbed unit or even going down the subaru route ?
My feeling is that my van has a premium attached to it due to being a genuine low miler and that by changing the engine it will lose its value slightly?

Thanks

[Mocki]

Mrk you shouldnt have a snapped stud in that many low miles... you sure its genuine???
in my opinion putting a rice burner in it immediately makes it less attractive, you lost the off the shelf parts advantage and knowledge base .
remember, the cost of labour cannot be added to the value of the van, its lost forever!
which ever way you go, good luck !

[kevtherev]

Just out of interest what are your opinions on changing the engine for a fully refurbed unit or even going down the subaru route ?
My feeling is that my van has a premium attached to it due to being a genuine low miler and that by changing the engine it will lose its value slightly?

Thanks

Well that "genuine low miler" has now broke.
Any added value will be lost in its expensive repair.
Putting a more drivable VW 2.1 WBX engine back in that works will be more attractive to buyers than a japanese engine.

On a side note, if this engine has not had correct 2 yearly changed G12 antifreeze in it then it may well have contributed to the stud snapping

[ajsimmo]

If it's only done 36k from new, it's been standing around a few years doing nowt! They don't like that. So low mileage might seem attractive for running gear, and low wear on the interior, but it brings with it other issues such as correct servicing procedures when laying up for extended periods.