ok, so been touring around south Devon and now up to north Cornwall, but the old bus is burning oil a goodun! Both leaking and burning up hills and on startup. So I am going to spend sometime (with help) to rebuild the engine. Which full engine gasket set is best? Currently looking at this one. http://www.coolairvw.co.uk/Item/Sho...ne_Gasket_Kit_-OB-Not_CU_Engine_Code-CB-.html Also what else is required or is best changed while I have the engine out? i have a 1978 type 4 2.0 FI. She has burned/leaked over 5 litres in the last 7 days, but no signs of it dripping on the floor. Cheers.
Yea, bit of blue puff when first started in the morning or when it's been sat for say a couple of hours. And then smells quite bad when under heavy load going up big hills when I have to change down.
Perhaps worn or broken piston rings. The only sensible approach is to have a look before deciding what to replace.
So best option is to pull the engine and check. Would it not be a good idea to change the gaskets while I have the engine out, as I know it is leaking somewhere.
Do a compression test. That might give you an idea on status of rings as @zedders has mentioned it does sound like worn rings. You could get away with just P&B if you want a cheap fix or just new rings?
Sounds mullered burned 5 litres in 7 days ! Comp test will prove if it's one cylinder or just worn out ..
Burning under load is piston related, worn bores or broken rings. This will also pressurise the crank case and push the oil out anywhere it can find a weak spot. Don't waste money trying to stop leaks without a bit more in depth analysis, I wasted ages chasing leaks and should have just bitten the bullet at the start and found the underlying cause.
Elring or Victor Reinz gasket sets are the best but you’re not going to stop an engine burning 5 litres of oil in 7 days with a set of gaskets. With the engine running take the breather hose off the air filter – what’s coming out?
Go on.. Re-build it it's great fun sounds like you need to with 5 litres of oil going through.. Hopefully you'll be able to stop at top end , gets messy inside that case though nothing too complicated ... Oh and if your doing the valve guides get em relined.. Taking them out and replacing them leads to cans opening and worms all over the place! Have a look at the good re-build threads for type 4s over in restoration ( that's not mine but there's links to them at the start somewhere). I'd add up the gaskets you actually need and consider buying separately even in Elring / Victor Reinz might work out cheaper.. they don't include the flywheel ones or square port exhaust gaskets in the kits anyway!.. And if you do buy one.. pop them in a snappy bag when curiosity gets the better of you and you open it up.. or you'll loose some and need to buy more .. Guess how I know that!.... And good luck.. Look forward to seeing progress reports.
OK, so the plan is to pick up a compression testing kit on route home from north Devon. Perform a compression test and then report back. What are good figures for a compression test?
..and then when you throw aside common sense and go ahead and totally rebuild it anyway...don't forget to ask coolair for your discount.. Think its 50 posts on here and your username over the phone for 10% off
Go for it I did mine having never done a t4 before New rings bearings cam lifters oil pump and new gaskets Now runs and pulls great Cost of rebuild about £600
Can someone put a shopping list together on what is required for a rebuild. Just so I can cost the worst case scenario.
One of every single part. That's why it's wise to investigate what you have before making a decision.
