Jump to content

Lupo 16V Engine Rebuild


razzmattas
 Share

Recommended Posts

Hello All,

This is my first post so go easy on me!

I have had my Lupo 16V from new in 2002. After 25k miles it had a new engine under warranty! It has done overall 90k miles. So the engine is only around 75k miles old. But it has gone kaput because of 'DRIVE BELT TENSIONER HAS FAILED AND IN TURN THE AUXILLARY BELT HAS FAILED... THE ENGINE HAS NO COMPRESSION' (according to the RAC report).

I was always disappointed with the engine because it started giving out blue/black smoke from a long time back... years ago. I was told that the pistons were wearing. (I'm no mechanic).

Anyway, I would like to keep the car that I have had from new... so I think that I would like an engine rebuild, in order to sort everything out.

I would like to get this done at the best possible cost by a trusted mechanic/garage who would provide a warranty for the work. I'm not able to do the work myself, but I would want to follow it step-by-step all the way as I am interested in that.

I am in South East London.

Can any of you experts out there advise me please?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It'd be so so so much cheaper to simply get a secondhand engine. You can have one delivered to your door or local mechanic. A basic engine swap and full service would be something like £500 I'd guess, plus the cost of the engine. Any local mechanic should be able to do that. It's a pretty basic job.

A full rebuild; crank regrind, rebore, new pistons, rehone, new cam, tappets, rebuilt head, full bearing set, gasket set, oil pump and other bits would cost well over £1k. Plus the cost of removing and fitting the engine.

If it's smokey after idling, it might just need some valve stem seals, which any local mechanic could do in about 3h. If blue smoke under full power and high revs, then yes, piston rings probably are probably a gonner = engine worn out.

And lastly, welcome to club lupo :)

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks so much for that great advice. I'm a bit old-fashioned in wanting to keep things in as much of their original form as possible. But I understand what you are saying about the comparative costs. 

The other thing is, how can I know about the state and longevity of a secondhand engine?

With one that has been worked on by someone that I know... I would have had to bear the cost, but I would know where it stood. My thinking was that at least I would have an engine that would be as new. In fact it could even be as good (if not better) than the two supplied new by VW themselves!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

With used engines, it's usually a gamble, but I've only ever had one that had to be returned. Usually, to check the quality of a used engine before fitting it, you have a good look at the cam shaft and followers. It is a good indicator of wear. Also the plug tip colours of the old plugs. And the surface of the flywheel, where it rubs on the clutch. Ultimately, you'll only really know if it's any good after 5h of refitting it and then starting it up. And once it's properly heated up and all the running clearances are open again.

Milage doesn't seem to affect engines that much. An engine that's been used to drive kids to school and back and poodle down to the local shops and back, that may only have 25k miles on it, may be much more worn than a 200k mile engine that has been used on nothing but motorway miles by a sales rep. It's the heating and cooling cycles that do the most damage (running an engine cold).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Frank is close enough!

And touts for work.

Personally, I would suggest rings and valve seals, possibly guides once you're in there.

Asides from that I'd leave bearings alone and wouldn't actually take the engine out of the car.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a Phaeton that is going full custom, which might be done by August. A 9N3 polo that needs a full body rework, two of my Lupos... And that dreadful Mk4. Urgh. And I would like to make a start on the UK's only mk2 Golf country- in RHD, with a 1.9 PDI 130. There are enough fully restored minters out there already, so it's not really sacrilege.

And in between I need to earn some money going to work. Seriously, I'll be honest and say I don't think it'll happen. I can help out on quick jobs that take an hour or two, but being your pride and joy, I know if it were me, you'll want the full restoration.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks a lot for taking the time to reply so fully. It is much appreciated.

You certainly do have a lot on!  

I'll see what I can find locally... there is a garage near to me.  It is a commercial business with a petrol station and workshop. They are not VW specialists or enthusiasts or anything like that.. but they say they could do it. I think that they are ok. So I shall consider that.

But I may seek your advice (and Rich's) as I progress.

Thanks a lot for your advice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 1 month later...

Hi Frank,

I hope you are well and having a cuppa now!

So, my Lupo has been sitting outside while I have considered what to do. I have two potential repairers. I have also looked at a couple of youtube videos to try and understand the problem.

I started with the info that the AC guy had provided. Below are the notes that he sent me on his report-

CUSTOMER REPORTS NOISE AND THEN THE ENGINE CUTTING OUT AND NOT RESTARTING

THE DRIVE BELT TENSIONER HAS FAILED AND IN TURN THE AUXILLARY DRIVE BELT HAS FAILED

SUSPECT THAT PARTS OF THE TWO ABOVE FAILURES THAT HAVE BEEN MENTIONED HAVE THEN GOT INTO THE TIMING BELT SYSTEM CAUSING THE TIMING BELT TO FAIL / JUMP

ENGINE HAS NO COMPRESSION

I spoke to you on the basis of this report previously. According to the RAC guy this meant that I had catastrophic repairs to undertake! But I'm not so sure.

What do you think is the likely damage? Your best assessment please.

The above coupled with the fact that the engine already had been giving out smoke led me to think that I might as well get the engine rebuilt. But I am not sure at all.

Please could you help with some advice before I commit to a particular course.

 

Many thanks

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 8 months later...

Hi Frank,

It's me again!

Any change in your time situation so that you could take on the job on my Lupo 16V?

I've had various quotes for the engine ranging fro £450 to over £1000. Trouble is that I am not fully confident in them...

Let me know if there is a possibility for you too take on the job.

Many thanks,

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
 Share

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use.