Recon engine.

[Steve007]

Hi guys,after finishing work yesterday stopped at the lights,then all off a sudden the engine started rattling pretty bad,
Phoned the guy who does some work on the van,said its seems it's only firing on 3cylinders
Said to strip it down to fix would cost £1k just for labour alone,
Now my problem is do I go recon engine(if anyone on here knows off good source),he said scrap it,but my problem I've spent a good few thousands quite recently,ie new turbo/alternator/front suspension/clutch..plus 3k on making it a day campervan heater/Insulation & carpeting/ electrics.
Plus what's worrying me is when it stops running completely scrap value would be nothing but cant really afford at the mo,to upgrade from 2010 to 14/15 model,
Any suggestions appreciated..

[GiveMeABreak]

I think the first place to start is getting a proper diagnostic done - I don't see how you can make a decision before getting a proper diagnosis of what the issue is. It may be nothing as drastic as it sounds....

[Steve007]

Thanks Marc, hope your right,its now started blow smoke from the engine compartment.
Apologies in my post after I phoned him I took the van around to him,for him to check it out,
But obviously he couldn't diagnostic.

[Peter.N.]

Smoke from the engine dept could be a leaking injector seal but could also be a serious failure in one cylinder, finding where the smoke is coming from would be a good help. But as Marc says you really need a Lexia session.

Peter

[GiveMeABreak]

I agree with Peter. If the injector seals / bolts are not tightened correctly (they are renowned for coming loose on some the 1.6 engines) then you will get oil leaking out, and the subsequent smoke from a hot engine which will get into the cabin soon enough and choke everyone - so don't drive it like that, or keep the windows open for fresh air.

[Steve007]

Hi Peter
Yes that what he mentioned regarding one of the cylinders,but he doesn't have the diagnostic
Will try and see if I can get the diagnostic Tuesday

[Steve007]

Thanks for the advice Marc..

[Steve007]

Well after replying it started and abit off a whining noise with a big plume off smoke out from the exhaust now will only turn over but not start,checked to see any oil,oil coming out off some fitting & as shown on pic it's going on the alternator.

[Peter.N.]

Probably coming from the engine breather which would indicate possible failed piston ring/s. Take the oil filler cap off, if its blow by you will get lots of smoke from it. if you can get it to start that is. Not turning over very fast is it? that would indicate a broken cam belt.

Peter

[Steve007]

Morning Peter
Do has you said took the oil fill cap off & yes smoke was coming up from there,wouldn't say lots of smoke but definitely smoke.
Thanks again for your input
Ste

[Gibbo2286]

A low mileage used engine with known history is always going to be less costly that reconditioning a worn out one.
What is the mileage on the engine? I think you need a mechanic familiar with diesel engine work to do a compression test to be sure it's not piston or bore trouble.

[Steve Walsh]

Find someone that can do a compression test, then cam cover off and have a look, any decent mechanic should be able to give you a good educated guess after that. A lot of garages/mechanic's don't want to get involved in serious engine work, they are happier plugging in a laptop and swopping parts.

[Steve007]

Hi Gibbo,
Mileage is 177,000, will see if they say anything regarding compression test or I will mention it to them,
A low mileage used engine presume that be from a scrap yard,
But thanks for your info mate,
Ste

[Steve007]

Cheer Steve
Will definitely ask them about that has you said instead off plugging in the laptop
Thanks
Ste

[Steve007]

Hi guys.
First apologies for the very late reply.
Seems (they said) it was a injector fault.
To me its abit more noisy on start up than previously but runs fine, maybe it's just me listening to much,
But has always thanks for all your input & advice.
Cheers Ste..