Club 80-90 Forums

Advice please. We're trying to decide what to do with our beautiful van-autosleeper, F reg, we'll looked after, original cabinets etc, upholstery needs a bit of attention. Engine has gone on it-became very hot and melted fuel injectors, garage is suggesting new engine and exhaust. Suggestions of expected price for selling it as it is compared with replacing engine or recommendations for t25 mechanics near us - South Wiltshire -Salisbury way. Thanks for any advice.

Message Ajsimmo on these forums, he builds engines he can give you a quote and as I last knew he would install them too.

Any pictures or more details? Price of engine replacement is likely to outweigh the increase in value

If you're having to pay someone to install a 2nd hand replacement engine then you're vanishingly unlikely to see that money back in the sale price of the van. And then there's the risk - if your replacement engine is no good, you'll still owe the garage ~10 hours labour for fitting it, and you'll still be in the same position, a broken van and now two broken engines.

Buying a reconditioned engine is absolutely out of the question, it reduces the risk but unless the van is a £20k, low mileage minter then you'll never recoup your investment.

As it is, someone could buy the van to break for parts, or if it's a particularly good shell, they might fit a replacement engine themselves.

Just as a rough guide assuming an average condition autosleeper.
As an MOTd, running and usable van it's probably worth about £5.5k in summer.
With a knackered engine it's probably worth £2k.
A 2nd hand replacement 2.1 DJ engine with all the accessories that are melted would probably cost £1300. Plus £500 for an exhaust, plus £250 sundries, plus ~£700 fitting. Plus whatever snags you find (will it need new coolant pipes, radiator? etc).

If it all goes perfectly you might end up with an extra £750 in your pocket, at best. But realistically, the job isn't going to go smoothly, they never do.

A reconditioned engine will be nearer £4k, but an average condition autosleeper (even with a lovely reconditioned engine in) isn't going to be worth a great deal more than one with any old running engine in.

I wouldn't consider worrying over resale value and all the ideas of whether it's worth it or not. I'm not sure why there is ever a concern over whether you will get the money back or not! No-one thinks that way with new cars and people happily lose thousands of pounds!! If you love your van and want to keep it, then spending money getting a replacement engine is always worth the cost. I just put a set of new seats in my van for £500 but there was nothing wrong with the old ones and it will never add to the value. I just want it to be as nice as I can make it!!

If you know your van and everything else is good then it is probably better to keep it than to move it on and buy another as they are all getting old now and there is a good chance you could buy something with a load of other expensive issues.

I would consider a properly rebuilt replacement from a reputable source if you can. As for fitting, I can't imagine it can take much time to do for a competent garage. It isn't exactly complex and there is plenty of room. 

Just my opinion on life!!!

^^^WHS^^^ I have spent a lot on my van. More than I could ever get back if I ever considered selling it. (Not that I would) Engine and gearbox rebuild. Back to bare metal.Panels replaced and a respray.

R0B wrote: ↑Yesterday, 14:02 ^^^WHS^^^ I have spent a lot on my van. More than I could ever get back if I ever considered selling it. (Not that I would) Engine and gearbox rebuild. Back to bare metal.Panels replaced and a respray.

Me too, but I now have a fantastic and reliable van. I just recently fitted a GPS speedo, new dash wiring kit and rev counter which cost almost £500 all in, and just because I wanted to!! Now I have needles that do a full sweep when I turn on the ignition and a speedo that doesn't lie to me!! All just toys really, but good ones!