Club 80-90 Forums

Afternoon all,

I've got a 1.9 DG that is loosing oil at a rate (in the order of half litre for 300 miles). I can't work out where it is going, as the crank seals no longer leak (they've been replaced), the push rods are dry, and it doesn't appear to smoke out of the exhaust....

The engine is generally shwoing signs of old age though (seems down on power, worse when warm / hot after a long run), so figure it is probably time for a rebuild.

I've read multiple posts on here about the dangers of finding a good rebuilt engine, so being handy with a spanner I though i might give it a go myself.

Question is what needs replacing - I've read so much conflicting advice I'm not sure what the essentials are, and what can essentially be measured, checked and put back - especially the heads.

I figure new bearings on cam / crank, new pistons and barrels and all the seals / gaskets / push rod tubes etc. and a new flywheel as mine has some cracking (noticed whilst replacing oil selas, but finanaces prevented renewal!)

However, whislt doing all this is it worth bolting on the 2.1 cylinders - will I notice the power, and how essential is the later cooling system and oil cooler (given that a damp weekend in Wales is about as hot as it gets!) I know the existing carb will work, but what about crank/cam/heads etc etc.

Thanks to anyone who's read through the ramblings to the bottom, and thanks in advance for any advice.

Cheers,

Alex

P.S. I'm sure that this is not in the WIKI, but apologies if a day at work has made me blind!

its possible to do. to get to the 2.1 capacity you will have to change the crank and pistons, the later cooling system is fine, its best to add an oil cooler. there are a few different 2.1 engines mainly the mv and the dj code the differnce is the compression ratio, dj is high comp, more power but you will need to super at the pump, mv is low comp so normal fuel is good. i have a 2.1 dj with a few extra mods and i would say its well worth doing the upgrade.

why not replace with a better 1.9 Billy 739 has a few.

Or better still just get a working 2.1, put your carbs and manifold on, change the seals and oil pump... and away you go.
Swapping bits and rebuilding it, is a never ending story, I'd prefer a reconable 2.1 than trying to fit bits in a 1.9

Amen Revrand

Been done a good few times by folks on here

having had the experience i have had i agree with you both. it has been an interesting path to the engine i now have in my van and costly.But i now have:- balanced crank.conrods,flywheel.three angle valve cut , end float checked by myself also no poor quality parts fitted i.e cofap pistons. My recommendation is to build it yourself. but these engines are not an easy build, be prepared and patient. always happy to share my experience.

Hi,

Thanks all for the advice - based on this it sounds like best plan is to buy a working 2.1, strap it in and then refurb it if required at a later date.

Cheers for the advice, I'll go and bother some of the traders after pay day!

Alex