Club 80-90 Forums

Hi, I'm looking for advice on Diesel Engine Repair or Rebuilding.

About 15 months ago my 1Y Diesel engine decided to stop running. I walked away from it for over a year because I was too frustrated and had too much work on.

A few months ago I started to work on it again, I had the injectors rebuilt, brand new starter etc. and I actually got it to run again!

For some reason though, it wouldn't idle. You could start and rev it, but it would always die. Then it simply wouldn't start again.
I checked the timing, tried gravity feeding it etc. Finally I checked the oil and found some silver metal flakes in the oil. So it's safe to say that my engine isn't happy inside. I also borescoped when I had the injectors out and found some yellow/rust type substance on one of the pistons.

I want to repair/rebuild it, so I got in touch with a few companies. One place didn't respond, one said it will be around £2000 plus they want to keep and replace my old cylinder head and the 3rd was supposed to ring me back last Friday with a quote.

I've never had an engine rebuilt or repaired before, so I could really do with some tips. I've removed the engine from my Van now, and I'm willing to travel if someone can recommend a decent place that can repair/rebuild it?

My engine is about 30 years old now, but it has only done around 120K, will the head be knackered like a couple of places have said?

Cheers.

With the cost of labour and the time it would take to strip and diagnose your engine, it might be worth trying to source another engine.

R0B wrote: ↑26 Mar 2023, 16:15 With the cost of labour and the time it would take to strip and diagnose your engine, it might be worth trying to source another engine.

True, I like the old diesel engines though, and trying to find a similar engine will be difficult.

Are 1Ys that rare? Not being an oil burner fan I know nowt about them TBH.

It would need a major mechanical fault to suddenly not run, i would try to get to the bottom of that as it’s pretty unlikely to be the main engine more likely am external issue. If you have your engine rebuild you still could have the same issues, presumably engine rebuilders fit new heads as used ones can cause issues( though I’ve never had an issue with a properly tested and rebuilt head) £2000 doesn’t sound particularly expensive though once stripped they are pretty easy to rebuild

https://www.stevensvwspares.com/vw-golf-engines/1y-engine


https://www.247spares.co.uk/volkswagen-golf-mk3-1h5-estate-1993-1999-1.9-1896cc-1y-diesel-engine.html


https://www.reconditionengines.co.uk/re ... -1y-engine

AW Engineering at Darwen can rebuild it for you. Not sure what that would cost, but their full recons are around £2300.

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