Club 80-90 Forums

Really need to pick your brains. i have just been told the 1.6D in my 1981 T3 is not worth fixing. My Mechanic says it has low oil pressure and is burning oil.
What would you do?
A)find another 1.6D
B)1.9D (does that mean I need to change the 4 speed gearbox)
C)Get the 1.6 I have rebuilt
D) put a petrol engine in. 2.0 (not sure if this is an option)

I am not looking for racing speed but in the summer I have a long run from Northern Poland to the UK, it need to work. I am more interested in reliability.Personally I fancy getting the 1.6 totally rebuilt, gearbox too at the same time as it is noisy. then I know what has been done. I think buying a used engine is risky.
Just want another persons oppinion too.
The cost will be about the same. (about 300 quid)

Any ideas or comments would be greatfully recieved.
Thanks in advance
Dave

QUICK reply, before you cop the raving hump!

All of the above are options, the best economy and power solution is to find a 1.9TD and have some power to enjoy on the long haul to the UK.

Personally I'd favour the 1.8 or 2.0 petrol option for the power and the rev range and you should be fine with your existing gearbox unless it's mechanically dodgy. You can use all of the bits from the diesel install to fit up the petrol engine - the block is very similar.

Look in the alt engine forum for more information.

Thanks for such a fast reply

So you are saying putting a petrol engine is OK. that makes me happy very happy.

So you are saying putting a petrol engine is OK. that makes me happy very happy

quick reply......hehehehh


the conversion to an upright petrol, eg passat or golf, will be esayer than to a proper t25 petrol, as you have some of the bits, eg bell end, mounting bars etc

that's it end of knowledge hahahahhah

It's an I4 engine.

Lying at 50degrees it could only be described as upright as Gazza on a camping trip.

The only thing you may need to do (depends on the inlet manifold) is smack one of the chassis rails back a touch and then everything pretty much bolts up until you get to the exhaust.

Diamond Hell, Thanks now I am totally confused

I think I will do as you recommend and go to petrol, now my problem.

I have been offered a petrol 1.9 (DG code) engine whatever that means.


Also a 2.1 petrol complete with computer, sounds too confusing to me.

And a 1.9 wasser boxer engine.
What do I need ? what do you recomend? What doner car?

my vans life in in you hands doctor.

I ain't no doctor. I can only tell you what you've got and what your options are.

The DG is a 1.9 wasserboxer (WBX). The 2.1 is the 1.9's bigger brother, which can be found in DJ, SS and MV flavours.

This is the original petrol engine that was fitted to the T25. It should really be regarded as a 'specialist' motor and you will struggle to find garages that know anything about them.

The 'I4' engines were never fitted to the T25, BUT they pretty much bolt up to the diesel mounting kit. You will find them in Seats and VWs - the Seats may well be cheaper, but it's pretty much the same engine. You will find lots of garages know lots about them as they've been fitted to VW group vehicles for donkeys years now. Spares are cheaper and easier to get too.

Bear in mind if you go for the WBX then you'll need all of the mounting kit and the gearbox bellhousing to suit.

Thanks
so which would you go for for an easy life and reliability. The guy wants 250 pounds for the 1.9 and about 300 for the 2.1 (112PS) still in the car and can be seen running complete with computer.

Really thanks a lot for your help.