New Bus Blues...Where to get a replacement engine & gearbox

[rpp123456]

Hi All,
After importing my first Westy in from the States in the Autumn, i have finally got around to putting it in for the MOT. Unsurpringly, there is a long list of things to fix. I expected to have a relatively long list but sounds like its going to be extensive (all mechanical issues). But to top things off, the mechanic reckons that i may need a new engine AND gearbox. I knew the engine had a tapping noise and low compression (hoping it was a cheap fix) - when i bought it, but apparently the gearbox is also making funny noises. He has recommneded a new engine and box as i dont know the history of the engine. I suppose it makes sense to get a decent engine that 'should' be relatively reliable.

So - the question is, where would people recommend getting a refurbished engined & gearbox from? Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.
Ross.

 

[rallye dale]

Ross. Whats on the mot list

And whats up with the engine

 

[AGC]

Dont be too hasty mate.... what does the MOT chap know about air cooled engine and gearbox?????? get a second opinion before you part with your money!!

 

[rpp123456]

Hi Dale - Hows yours coming along?

Link below is a short clip i took before the engine came out. Anyone any ideas?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRzwFmVte8w" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The list for the MOT is a bit vague at the mo, as i caught him on the return from the test drive. But includes: new track rods, brakes, steering issue, indicator not flashing on dash, steering lock not working, new ball joints, issues with the carb, prob with generator, accelerator cable too short, and others i cant remember.
getting a priced list from him today.

Thanks for your comments AGC. The garage do quite a bit of air cooled work, so i assume they know their stuff. Do get the impression though that they dont want to start taking the engine and gearbox apart.

Anyway, we shall see when i get the priced list for the MoT (hopefully today). I am already sitting down ready for the shock.

Do we know of any engine experts that i could take it to in the Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire area that would be able to tell me whats wrong and whether its worth fixing or exchanging for a new one?

Thanks guys.
Ross.

 

[Trikky2]

Hmm - seems like a rather hefty list of stuff the garage want to do. As already posted, in your situation I would be inclined to go for a second opinion before commiting to such a large number of repairs.

For instance, the clattering at tickover only could just be something minor. Hard to tell without actually being able to check it out "hands on" but as a general rule, its when it knocks under load you know you have problems. The tickover clatter could just be rockers touching the covers or slapping due to incorrect tolerance on the rocker shaft or too much backlash on the cam drive - none of which would require a new engine. The tickover is regular, which means the pistons, bores, rings etc are probably ok. Faults there generally make the engine tend to run on only 3 cylinders when at tickover going back to all four as the revs rise.

 

[Araon]

Put a shout out for any local members to meet up and have a gander (thats forum members and not cocks by the way), they'll give you an honest unbiased opinion

http://www.archive.org/details/JohnMuirVwSounds" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[Harlequin]

Give pete nice on here a shout he's in the Aldershot/Guildford area, top bloke & has sorted a few engines for peeps on here
he's not on here as often now so here is a link to his web site
http://www.sosvw.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[james_stan]

Call me a cynic but not sure of a few things here..

For instance since when was the 'steering lock' part of the MOT, unless of course you
mean excessive play on the box an drag links etc.. Also a generator fault is nowt to do with MOT either AFAI AND my MOT'er never goes on a 'test drive' either. Hmm... :msn4:

JS

 

[sparkywig]

Steering lock operation is part of the MOT now...

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_4022109" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

 

[james_stan]

Steering lock operation is part of the MOT now...

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_4022109" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Well I'll be blowed.. of course it makes sense now - so critical for road safety :shock:

 

[bertiethebus]

Steering lock operation is part of the MOT now...

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_4022109" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Well I'll be blowed.. of course it makes sense now - so critical for road safety :shock:

:lol: :lol: vosa= knob jockeys

 

[rpp123456]

Thanks for all your comments guys. I think I need to add that the garage I took the van to we're also putting my engine back in, giving it the once over and also getting it through the MOT. Luckily they have come back and said the steering lock requirement is only for cars post 2001, so that's something I suppose.

I think we have decided to get it through the mot and then deal with the engine and gearbox somewhere else. So any more recommendations would be gratefully recieved.

 

[weeboll]

GAC is good for engines and depending on where in south ox not too far away in aylesbury

 

[67westy]

Steering lock operation is part of the MOT now...

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Mot/DG_4022109" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Oh bollocks mines never worked. Might have to look at sorting it now.................

 

[Tristan71]

Hmmmm

 

[Tristan71]

How can the accelerator cable be to short for an mot ??
Get a second opinion like agc said some garages tend to take advantage of vw owners