Club 80-90 Forums

Hello fellow rust bucket enthusiasts

I’m currently undergoing a T25 restoration and have now moved onto the engine stage
I have a 2006 Volkswagen polo 1.9 TDI that will be going into the van and mounts up with the original gearbox.
My debate is whether to do a rebuild or not. The engine was running great before removed from the Polo, however that was over a year ago and the engine is on the older side.
This is my first engine swap, so currently in unknown waters and was hoping to see if anyone has any advice or has done this engine swap (or similar) themselves.
Haynes manual is at the ready but want to try avoid any stupid mistakes if I can and see if anyone has any guidance for me.

Thanks a lot!
H

I suppose theres a few avenues.. Apply the old saying, if it ain't broke dont fix it. If it wasn't smoking or making any funny noises id save the headache and money you'd be throwing at it. Just put it in and change the belts.
Alternatively if you're keeping the van in the long run you might wanna do a headgasket, rings, bearings for peace of mind..but then you're tearing down an engine and spending.
You'd have to source the bits to swap over such as oil sump, oil pump/pickup.. engine mounts.. uhhh probably other bits..too

Exactly what he said.

Okay, it has been in use for about 17 years of it's life.

Things to consider are:-

Overall Mileage.
Regularly Serviced, or neglected?
Evidence of coolant or oil leaks.
General visual condition of the engine and it's ancillaries.

If all looks appropriate for it's age, and nothing jumps out at you, then I would just fit it 'as is'.
Obviously - fit new belts and conversion parts.
And enjoy your van.

If anything looks ropey,
How far you go depends on how deep you dig looking for issues.

Much the same with anything from a vehicle of it's age.