getting hold of a new engine? or just parts

[chukaspaz]

hey,

so Iv taken my van to a few vw specialists who said the sound is probably either piston slap which is bad news apparently, no oil pressure (as the oil light comes on when its started but then goes off after about a minute of driving, but this may explain the tapping noise) orrrr just completely putanged. Iv had a few suggestions so I was wondering what you guys think is the best option:

a) replace engine completely (except iv been told the parts or engines for my van are very hard to get hold of, apparently they may be a place in london that might be able to get hold of them?)...

b) get hold of the parts (if possible) and repair the engine (this does not gaurantee it being fixed though because its possible that the whole engine has had it)...

c) replace my oil with semi synthetic 5w15 and see if the tappets are less noisy as the oil in now (15w50) may not be reaching or lubricating them enough (this may be a cheap but last ditch attempt option)...

any help would be much appreciated, especially since this has been going on for yonks...also does anyone know the place in london that would supply parts for this type of vehicle?

cheers guys!!

[toomanytoys]

To start with, most synthetic oils are far too thin.. do you really mean a 5w15???
Apart from the fact that these engines were never designed for it, its a waste of money in an old engine..
Get hold of some bog std castrol GTX 15w50 or better still some 20w50..

But if the oil pressure has been checked with a gauge (only real way to know whats going on) then its a matter of time before something breaks..
If no oil pressure, then piston slap is the least of your worries and wouldnt be heard.. more like the hydraulic tappets have bled down. (fill it with 20w50)

It is possible to rebuild it.. but depending on several factors.. have a look in the "Wiki FAQ" as there must be loads of info on the problems with these engines in there.. but as a general rule anything pre 86 will be a pig to do..

Best and least frustrating option would be to get a recon engine from VW, not as pricey as you would think.. Alternativly there is Elite, but thier prices do make me wonder (seem a bit too cheap), although I have no experience of thier work, other may be able to comment

Dont bother with a second hand engine unless its history can be proven, if you dont know what you are looking at, it could go pop just as quickly..

[chukaspaz]

well Iv tried changing the oil again, I used 20w50 as recommended...however, some guy in an audi garage did say try the synthetic oil so i dunno...ermm also when I was changing my oil there was this gungy and kinda hard substance coming out with it...not a lot but it was weird stuff...could this be a sign of anything? the ticking has kinda gone anyway, i mean its no way near as bad but still too bad to ignore...this happened last time too when I changed my oil, the ticking went for a few days and then came back...sooo im baffled. any suggestions?

cheers!!

[kevtherev]

Is the noise you hear audible all the time?......if it is, then it's not piston slap, that is only really audible when the engine is under load and accelerating.
I suspect a tappet or tappets.
The 20w/50 is good for old engines. give the engine a flush next time

has the van been parked up ? As this will drain a tappet of it's oil and takes a good run to "pump it up"

Although they are supposed to be maintenance free... periodic adjustment is sometimes needed.
take a look on the wiki, there's some info on there

[toomanytoys]

the tappets wont go quiet unless it has a good run, if thats the problem..

Synthetic oil... waste of money in your case, he hadnt got a clue
What kind of gunge? white mayo type or harder and crunchy?
Either way.. doesnt sound good.. water in the oil means a crack or leaking barrel base seal.

[Aidan]

James take your van to someone who knows these engines, otherwise you are wasting your time. Maybe stiffed maybe not, but it's real hard to diagnose it on the net like this. Andy in nottingham probably nearest knowledgeable person, failing that Brickie in w yorks. If you've recovery then bring it up to warrington and I'll take a looksee.

[chukaspaz]

hey,

well last night was a night of events...changed my oil and left it idle for about 20 mins...this seemed to ease the sound of the tappets so I thought Id take it for a drive...it was going pretty well for about 10 miles when suddenly as I was climbing a hill I got a massive plume of white smoke coming out the back so I pulled over and the van cut out...completely expecting the worse I grabbed the fire extinguisher and legged it to the back but there was nothing...sooo started it again and it was even worse so I called the AA...waited for about an hour and he turned up...turns out I had to much oil in the van which caused it to flsuh round and burn...he burnt it off and with that the tappets noise completely disappeared. I drove it around with not a murmur and it was even purring better than ever...anyway, its still purring and driving amazingly...but to add insult to what wouldve been a puuurrfect ending..haha...ermmm pulled up and pulled my handbrake to hard and snapped the cable....mental...but anyway I thought Id let you know that the van is sounding and driving amazingly and Iv had absolutely no problems today or yesterday...and thanx for all ur help!!

cheers!!

[toomanytoys]

Glad it seems sorted...

Dont you have a dipstick???

You cant pull hard enough on the handbrake to snap a cable, it must have been ready to snap.. change both sides..

[MikeB]

so Iv taken my van to a few vw specialists

Are you sure, because I'm no expert but from my experiences with my van and from reading this forum I know that at least two of the things you've been told are rubbish.

Mike.