Replacement Engine

[Matt48]

Hi


bought my campervan in October 2013, it had a newly refurbished engine fitted in 2010, a VEGE fitted at the Old Dub Shop Bristol. I suspect the previous 2 owners did not complete the running in period correctly although I have the 500 mile stamp in the book.

So only 4000 miles later my garage think I need to replace the engine. Ok so that is a crap situation to be in. The guys at the garage have heard and seen my van a couple of times and thought the engine was fine previously and she just passed her MOT in mid august, fairly easily.

Who have people used for a replacement?

Have you gone new?

Did you upgrade to a 2.0 litre?

Did you try and save the engine with a rebuild?


thanks for all thoughts

Matt C




Just one of those things but it is a bit crap!!!!

 

[Matt48]

I should say I've completed about 1900 miles and it has always seemed fine.

 

[StuF]

Do you have any more specifics with what is actually wrong with the engine?
Endfloat, heads - how far have you stripped it?
Any metal particles in the oil when changed?

Current spec?

If you provide some more info probably get a little more useful help

 

[Matt48]

the mechanics are concerned at the rattle and knocking, sure it drives but it does not sound right and I go on their advice

psi 10 rising to 25 after running so that is way too low.

A 1.6 engine

 

[Matt48]

come on some thoughts loads of you have been here

 

[mattyd72]

Are they air cooled mechanics? These old things make a right racket to those used to watercooled lumps

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[Matt48]

is air cooled should I drive it till it blows up?

 

[Matt48]

and it has definitely changed noisyer

 

[SiDev]

Bought my bus last year, knew the engine was on the way out, loads of end float. I bought a recon 1641 from Steve Strong Engines, based on price, feedback and 12 month unlimited mileage warranty, and at the same time got some twin Dellorto 36's, alternator conversion, 4 into 1 stainless exhaust, etc. Ive run it in now, had the oil changed and valve clearances done and it goes well, just got to have the carbs set up on the rolling road now which will be done in the next couple of weeks. For me this is a good combo for power, torque and economy on a standard gearbox.

 

[Matt48]

thanks Sidev

 

[mattyd72]

Have you checked your valve clearances?
Best case scenario is its loosened up and just needs a good service

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[Matt48]

thanks mattyd72

 

[Zcat7]

Like the others say there are a couple of things to consider. These engines do rattle a fair bit compared to a modern watercooled lump and I've noticed a difference in sound before just by changing oil grades. Causes of noises and rattles are manyfold and could be cause for worry or not:

Big end knock - worry
Main bearing rumble - worry
Loose flywheel clatter - worry
Loose camshaft gear rattle - worry

Tappets - Simple reset
Worn piston rings/piston slap - not ideal but check compression and think about top end refresh (tho would be surprising after such low mileage).
Thrust bearing rattle? Not even the engine!

etc etc.

If you want to try and isolate the noise you could try using a long screwdriver touched onto various points on the engine and pressed against your ear - this will amplify the noise and help locate it (watch your hair in the fanbelt!)

There is also a good source of reference here http://www.ratwell.com/mirror/Muir/Muir.html. Listen to the audio files and see if you recognise any of them.

Finally, if your mechanic is VW aircooled savvy he should be able to give you a decent appraisal of what he thinks is wrong and why it might have happened, if not then frankly he might just be clutching at straws. A new engine under these circumstances will be a hammer to a butterfly and could cost you unnecessarily...

Good luck!

 

[Shaunb]

You need to ask why? Why do your mechanics think you need a new engine, they should specify the cause or reason behind this. Always get a second opinion ideally from a air cooled vw specialist before you pay out for something you may not need. Personally that's what I would do.


[url=http://www.vw-mplate.com

 

[Matt48]

I've used the same garage for 14 yrs, free advice hints, did my headgasket on my mk2 and that ran on for another 6 yrs and I sold on 246000 miles. They aren't specialist aircooled but plenty find their way there.


Big knocking noise, low oil pressure and it being a rebuild gone so soon suggests previous previous owner was sold a dud!!


keep em coming cheers

 

[K@rlos]

Sounds like the main bearings are shot to me. Knocking and no oil pressure is not good :|

 

[chad]

What running-in do people recommend for a new engine?

 

[SiDev]

What running-in do people recommend for a new engine?

For mine it was take it easy for the first 500 miles, then oil change and valve clearances set. After that good to go, but your engine builder may have different instructions.

 

[Matt48]

running in ,follow manufacturers instructions to the letter or you end up with an engine like mine!!! Oil changes and steady driving.

 

[Tofufi]

low oil pressure

keep em coming cheers

How do you define low oil pressure?

If you've got a gauge, approx 10 PSI per 1000rpm is about right...

I ran my engine in a few weeks ago - did approx 20 mile of varying speeds and loads, then did a 200 mile round trip up the motorway - sat at 55-65mph the whole way.