If all the compressions are around the 100psi mark & the timing checks out ok I would say you are most likely looking at a worn camshaft as the most likely culprit.
Yep camshaft. Plus leaking valves. Worn rings/bores 100 psi isn't good for a type 4. Little 1600 bug/van engines are in the 125 range with only 1600 cc. But, if your 100 psi on all 4 cylinders and .... 1 cylinder Isn't firing then there is another issue
Sounds like a nice easy fix for a complete novelist like me. Atleast I do have plenty of time on my hands
Just saying If you cant afford the parts leave it alone, you'l have engine bits all over the garage and not be able to put it back together. These motors can get out of hand , you might think its a follower but then you'l find its the cam as well ,then while its down you might as well look at the crank bearings/pistons etc its gunna get expensive. price the parts up 1st.
But still, DIY including buying all the measuring tools needed can be cheaper if you have some mechanical ability. I would start watching Youtube videos on the subject of engine teardown and assembly before diving in. The Type 4 engine is also said to need more care and skill than a Type 1 engine to rebuild. Also little details like maybe the puff of smoke when you started it may turn into replacing valve guides. If you dont have mechanical skills then you need a friendly expert.. But you can save yourself a fair bit of labour cost if you take the engine out yourself and take it to the builder, as engine out and in is much simpler than rebuild but will still be charged for at a skilled workers rate. But if you are methodical, take lots of pictures and notes, then nothing is impossible.
Yep doing it yourself can save loads of money ,especially if the garage is charging 60 an hour. Engine removal/rebuild and refit at 60 an hour would cost thousands.
Type 4 not much harder than a type 1 just bigger heavier and bits are more expensive but still totally doable.. the one in the tintop was my first ever totally apart engine and so far 5 years and 8,000 ish mile still runs well.. not big mileage but Wolfsburg and back in a week last summer with no issues and I'm well rough and ready with mechanics (compared to some... especially our American cousins) Here is great for help.. I Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Damn accidentally deleted my post when it looked like there were 2. We should have a "naughty engine work I've done" thread. I once hung a 2l on a stand c/w flywheel and stripped off one side including half the case, Then I replaced the o-ring on the oil pick up and put it back together reusing all the bearings, seals and gaskets. Zero parts apart from the o-ring which was about 10p because I bought a bag full. I know it's still going strong more than 10 years later. EDIT: Thinking back it wasn't a stand it was a workmate with the cylinders I left poking down through the gap. Heavy things, I wouldn't even try now.
.... you might have to wait a bit for parts after Boris addresses the nation tonight... but it gives you a couple of months taking apart and cleaning and measuring before the shops open again.... Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk