Rebuild Engine?

[2052006 10]

Yesterday I got hold of a 1.9 engine from Anthony off this forum. It is going to replace my current 1.6, keeping the 1.6 gearbox. It is said to run ok, it "may" have had a rebuild according to the person Anthony bought it from approx 60k ago, but of course neither of us really know exactly what sort of condition it is in (and I cannot expect anymore for what I got it for!). My question is this - I spent today stripping it down externally, removing gearbox, degreasing and generally cleaning it up - but it struck me if I'm going to all this trouble of swapping engines out of the car, should I at least get it rebuilt, maybe just partially?

 

I have never had a head off an engine or done anything internally to an engine - am I being too ambitious. What would people recommend? Remember - the engine is out of the car and I have plenty of space/time to do the work (which makes me think I may as well do it now rather than 6 months down the line when it's back in the car).

 

Any advice appreciated!

[Atari Boy 11]

Whilst the engine is out of the car and easily accessible it seems sensible to change a few parts.

My 1.6 had a 1.9 conversion a few months ago, I had the head stripped and rebuilt (valve stem oil seals etc) and also replaced the water pump and cam belt. These parts are quite cheap and so much easier to now.

[jas-E 1]

hey mate,

 

I was in a similar position when i got my mi16 engine, and initially decided to just change all gaskets and seals. But as i took the head off i decided to change the bearings, rings and oil pump aswell as my pistons and liners were in fairly good nick.

 

This was my first engine rebuild, and even though i had an experienced builder around to give me a hand where i was stuck, i just went step by step through the haynes manual and found it isnt at as difficult as it initially feels. As long as you keep everything clean, measure everything up and ensure it is within tolerance you should be fine.

 

Its a good experience in my opinion and i think when i get mine started eventually it'll be the best feeling ever..

[Anthony 1,003]

For the costs of rebuilding an 8v I'm not sure that it's really worthwhile to be honest, especially when the engine seemed pretty good when I drove the car home with no signs of impending trouble - good oil pressure, pretty quick, and no smoke.

 

Personally if it were me, I'd change the cambelt and waterpump as a matter of course, and the tensioner as well ideally. Check the condition of the clutch and if that's not got plenty of meat on it then replace that or use the one from your current 1.6 or buy a new one, and swap over the 1.6 flywheel too. Obviously new oil, filter, and coolant, but otherwise I'd just stick the engine in as-is to be honest.

[j_turnell 137 3 Cars]

As above just do the cambelt, tensioner, water pump, maybe some ignition parts if your feeling generous and give it an oil and filter change. That should keep it going for a good while longer. If it aint broke dont fix it.

[AdamVester 0]

i was a fool when i got my mi16 (about 1 week ago) it was stood for 3 years and i started like once i was told it was a good runner and sure it was. i new the headgasket would go at somepoint but i ignored it thinking oh it will be a while.. today pritty much 7 days l8er the headgasket is going and i need to take engine out again.. so this time im putting a new gearbox on that i no works and a new cambelt for the sake of it and a new alternator belt as i cheated and streched the 205 one on . also going to replace a few other fiddley bits but yeah i wish i done it in the first place instead of ignoring it. spend a little to save a little. if i waited another week till i had the cash i wouldnt have to be booking more time off work to do the car.

[2052006 10]

Thanks for the replies. Out of interest, how much would it cost for the head to be rebuilt (both just parts if I were to do it and to pay someone else?).

 

If it's much, then yes, it probably isn't worth it, financially.

 

Yes, I will do the cambelt, w/pump and tensioner. Re the clutch, I'll stick a new one on and change the fly wheel. My current clutch is well over 8 yrs old I think. Also, there is something squeaking from inside the box when operating the clutch (release arm?). It only does it when warm (so whenever the car is driven!). It's not broken yet, but sounds like it will! Will a new clutch solve this or will it just be the case that I will be able to access whatever it is to regrease?

[Atari Boy 11]

I paid around £80 for strip and rebuild I think.

Valve stem oil seals cost about £3!

Edited March 31, 2008 by Atari Boy

[CaptainK 11]

I'm paranoid about engines now - I had a GTi6 put in that had a new waterpump, cambelt and so forth and within a few hundred miles the thing died with bearing failure. It had and still does have really good oil pressure and has been treated well and loved by me.

 

I suspect the previous owner ran it dry and then tried to cover it up. :?

[Rob_the_Sparky 9]

Tis a lottery but less so if someone you can trust has driven it pre-removal. I'm inclined to agree with Anthony though, the budget can go quite high when doing a full engine re-build and you don't know that you need to...