Club 80-90 Forums

Hi

Time for a 'new' engine again, she's been a bit neglected I admit:

Diagnosis from garage...

Engine oil pressure test:
9psi @ idle
48psi @ load (2500rpm approx)

Engine compression test:
Cyl 1: 190psi
Cyl 2: 180psi
Cyl 3: 225psi
Cyl 4: 220psi

Charging good - 14volts

Both cylinder heads have water leaks
Plastic water tower bridge housing broken
One fuel tank breather pipe broken
All belts need replacing
Hydraulic lifter clearance too large (needs adjusting if poss)
Expansion tank piping needs replacing
Spark plugs need replacing
Water breather pipe needs replacing
Handbrake needs adjusting
Oil leak from rear main seal and oil pump
Combustion test - failed (exhaust gases from cylinder heads entering cooling heads)

My first bit of research pointed me towards Volkspares:
Vege Water Cooled DJ 2.1 - Fitted £1,678.80 + extra bits and bobs I presume

I've never used Volkspares before (quite handy as they're round the corner from my house), are they any good? Any other recommendations to fit a new engine would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

I used them many years ago without any issues and they have been around for years. If they are around the corner then use them but make sure you get them to fit the engine and avail of the 12 month warranty. You could spend ages fecking about looking for somewhere else that could be miles away and save very little.

Good 2.1 DJ engine available.
Absolutely 100% complete....Inc ECU etc.
Stainless silencer.

PM if interested.

Cheers.

Good advice Paddy thankyou. bhpdub - thanks, let me have a think on that

Marco Mansi fitted my last one, I might try calling him although I get the feeling he's a busier man than he was 9 years ago, it took him a few months back then to complete.

not considered having you one rebuilt? that way you will know exactly what you have?

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=99380" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


neil

Fascinating stuff, I'll be following the thread closely. I would love to rebuild mine but I just don't have the tools or the knowledge (yet), but I do have a garage. The most I've done on my van is fit a new stainless exhaust, regular oil changes, changed a coil on the rear suspension, change coolant etc.

I've got a bit of budget, so right now I'm thinking just get a new lump in there ready for summer. I'm waiting for a reply from Marco Mansi, see if he's interested in fitting/rebuilding for me again and if not then I'm looking for the next best option.

It's a real shame, but it's my own fault this engine is on it's way out... when Marco fitted it he reckoned it would be good for at least another 100 000 miles. I got around 30 000 out of it but he stressed to me at the time about the importance of understanding the waterboxers quirks, servicing on a regular basis and most importantly, using the correct antifreeze. I started out with good intensions but over time neglected it (and I used to tank it at 85 to Cornwall and back regularly!).... well, not this time round.

I'm going round to Volkspares this morning if they're open Saturdays (round the corner to me) to have a chat about a Vege engine. Any thoughts on the Vege? I've read good reports and bad.

Mmm... Remtec engines look promising from what I've been reading on here.

Pricey though

Kit Bones wrote:Mmm... Remtec engines look promising from what I've been reading on here.

Mmm.. I'd look again...........

Dont know is volkspares have had a *ahem* 'jiggle about' but certainly 10+ years ago the quality wasnt what one would have expected (alas from experience) and was similar story across forums. Sure i read that VEGE isnt what it once was.
Google n ask about on forums i guess.

ELVIS wrote:Dont know is volkspares have had a *ahem* 'jiggle about' but certainly 10+ years ago the quality wasnt what one would have expected (alas from experience) and was similar story across forums. Sure i read that VEGE isnt what it once was.
Google n ask about on forums i guess.

^^^WHS^^^

There will be an alternative soon..... But.. Quality over price............

Well, looks like Marco Mansi is going to rebuild mine. Very pleased.

I was in a similar situation, not too long ago.

After doing the same tests, it looked like I needed one and started scrolling the sites for a good re-furb, I honestly couldn't find one that was cost effective..


So I managed to find a van with 15k miles on the engine, all certified. Heard it running, did compression tests, it all looked spot on.

Changed it over and what a difference, 27mpg, way more power and the satisfaction that I have an engine that should see me through 100k miles.

I'm not sure I would have the same level of confidence from a Vege, could be wrong, but I would rather not chance it. At least you get to test and try with an engine from someone elses van...

Hope you have a trouble free change as well

I have got a few mates who used to have factory petrol engines, I think I am one of the last to still have one

jed