Club 80-90 Forums

Well, my engine decided suddenly to (I'm guessing) lose a piston ring today. Oil lights aglow, pinking, loss of power and dieseling crazily when the engine's turned off.

I was hoping to replace the engine at some point with a 1.9TD and 5-speed but not quite yet... Time and money do not allow! I'm technically competent, just not worked on one of these ever, or any engine for quite a while and then of course you find you don't have the right tool or the right part... Plus I don't have any hoists or lifting equipment and the van is in Kidderminster and my tools are in cardiff till end of next week.

So, my options are rebuild, or replace. We're taking the van to France on 8 July, so a replacement will probably be quicker and easier and my Stepfather has kindly offered to pay for recon engine. Is it easiest to just go for a 1.9WB, might I just as well fit a 2.1?, would an engine and 5-speed go in easily - as long as I can source the gearchange mechanism?

Guess I have 3 questions then really
1: Should I stick to the 1.9WB or take the opportunity to swap in something else, given my time constraints?
2: Where's best to source a recon engine?
3: If I get someone else to do it,any recommendations - given where the van is...

Help! LOL

Michael

I've read the Wiki and it says a new engine direct from VW is only about £200 more than a recon one. IS this right? How much am I looking at price wise?

Thanks!

Michael

With a time limit and a kind offer I would opt for a recon ASAP to allow time for running in and checking everything is OK. Quite a few use Elite (cheapest AFIK about 1000 fitted) and worth giving them a call! They may supply on an exchange basis if there is someone local who could do the transplant but getting it to them would be better. Trying to find someone competent to repair is a PIA and probably cost as much. There are other recons available VEGE but expensive and the Engine Shop at around £1200 not including fitting. Mixed reviews on some of these but see what other peeps say. 2.1 with standard carb is suppose to be the best (based on what folks have said) but cant say if there are any additional mods necessary.

No rebuilt engines available from VW.... not been available for over 2 years... They are available via a german supplier, but cost...... not worht the effort and you wont get it in time....

Elite.... prob best option... ask them to make a 2.1 "DG"... works a treat..

Gearbox... your 4 speed will be fine if in good nick... worth changing the oil in it though...

Expect to replace any other parts that are tired... fit a new water pump and plumb in a 2.1 style oil cooler....

Spoke to Mick from Elite VW yesterday AM, they're picking the wagon up late this week / early next. I'd hoped for sooner but this is pretty good fitting in an unannounced piece of work.

I'm only halfway (Optimistically ) through fitting it out so not having it for a week and a half or so is a bit of a blow but hey, we'll just go half-built and finish it off along the way!!!

Thanks for your advice guys