The engine has always really run off 3 pistons since I've had her, with a serious lack of compression in 1 piston. Getting to the stage now that I'm fed up trying to avoid ways of getting from a to b without going on the motorway and I always turn up late for any party. So, I took her to an old vw specialist here in France and got a quote for a complete engine rebuild using a maximum number of parts marked 'made in Germany' only, needless to say, expensive. The piston head on no.2 probably got too hot before now she's doomed to run as she does until I can afford the new engine. Just wondering if anyone has any ideas to improve the performance, increase the running power that wouldn't involve the engine rebuild?
Which engine for a start? Get a second hand barrel and piston and maybe head as well as a temporary fix?
As 1600 engine The mechanic had suggested the new piston and head, it could be a short term solution. I was just wondering whether in the long term it's worth it.
Yes but the engine is 2l type-4 engine? Likely to a sinking valve seat = new head and done. Then you need to work out why it happened, usually an air leak inlet manifold/servo etc so you don't repeat with your new head.
If you think I should get running power back with these adjustments, I'll probably go with that option as it was offered to me, maybe it could buy myself a few more years...
The mechanic said I could technically drive around like that for ages, I read one thread here where someone said they had been driving for years on 3 pistons. I suppose it comes down to what I want to do, fuel consumption is a killer too
Thanks for your advice, I suppose I just needed a nudge in the right direction Thanks for your advice, I'll look at me bank statements around birthday time and make a decision then. Wife is gonna kill me........again
i would not drive it you are poring petrol into the engine and if its a valve problem it could break and do even more damage I would find out what is wrong with it, it could be just a new head
I've definitely got a set of 1600 barrels and Pistons lying around, quite possibly a pair of heads as well !
J I think a lot of petrol ends up spat out the exhaust, I've been driving like this for 5 years and the previous owner about the same, performance has been roughly the same with 1 lame piston. I make sure she gets a complete oil drain and new oil fairly regularly. You think it's urgent?
If it smokes on start up might just be a bust ring, I can't see a head problem going on for so long without something letting go.
Bonjour, around cannes area but I go to a guy in carros to get any work done on her so it's a fair trek, have made it once with virtually no brakes as the old discs were worn down and a little bent out of shape and the blocks worn down to a nub. Anything simple, maintenance etc, I attack myself here but I need to see a mechanic for anything major. Will make a decision concerning the engine later in the year methinks
