|
|
|
Jan 22, 2020 14:23:36 GMT
|
|
Hi, if I buy a new short block will my existing head need a skim before bolting them up to each other?
And if I get my existing block reconditioned will the head need a skim?
Pete
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 22, 2020 15:03:55 GMT
|
|
The answer to both is depends on why you are needing a new short block or the one you have reconditioning?
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 22, 2020 15:21:00 GMT
|
The answer to both is depends on why you are needing a new short block or the one you have reconditioning? My oil pressure is lower than it should be and I've replaced oil pump, oil pick up pipe, change oil and cleaned out the sump. I'm assuming there is some wear in the block somewhere. I can get a new short block for the cost of a reconditioned one. i'm trying to figure out the best, most cost effective plan for resolving the problem with the oil pressure. Pete |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 22, 2020 16:42:07 GMT
|
|
not really but a light skim wouldnt go amiss, especially if its alloy.even then its only to clean up the mating face and guarantee straightness
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 22, 2020 16:48:06 GMT
|
|
I'd have it faced so it's an engineered finish ready for the gasket.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 22, 2020 16:54:38 GMT
|
|
Well unless you have oil spilling out every where from the top of the engine it's not the head that's the problem.
What's the engine and what car, what mileage has it done?
It sounds like you have a a worn crank and bearings which is why you have the low oil pressure, finding out what the problem is a job you could do and save your self some labor time cost.
If the crank is still with in the minimum size (shown in a Haynes Manual) you should be able to fit the correct size of new shell bearings and get it all running good again it all depends on what you find when you strip the engine.
If the crank is is damaged at all then that will mean it will need to go to be ground and that's not cheap but still cheaper than an reconditioned block, the problem I see with a recon block is you don't know the history of it and you don't know to what standard it has been built to, where as if you do it you will take more care and will be a better engine, you will gain in three ways you will learn, you will save on labor cost and you will have an engine that will last.
All the info you need is in a Haynes Manual for your car.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 22, 2020 16:55:22 GMT
|
|
why not just replace the bottom end bearings?
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 22, 2020 22:04:22 GMT
|
why not just replace the bottom end bearings? I'll second that, and the balance shaft bearings stealthstylz pointed to in the other thread. |
| |
1988 Mercedes w124 superturbo diesel 508hp
1996 Mercedes s124 e300 diesel wagon
1990 BMW E30 V8 M60 powered!
1999 BMW E46 323ci project car
|
|
bricol
Part of things
Posts: 281 
|
|
|
|
|
whats telling you it's got low pressure? A standard fit gauge, or a decent aftermarket one that you know gives an accurate reading?
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
surley the answer is measure it against a straight edge , if its flat then no don't skim it
|
| |
91 golf g60, 89 golf 16v , 88 polo breadvan
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 23, 2020 12:29:54 GMT
|
|
The car is a mk5 golf gti with 90k on the clock. I've had it for the last 30k miles and i've been changing the oil and filter every 3-5k miles with decent correct VW spec oil.
I've done a lot to it improving the handling and braking so do want to keep it.
The dash keeps showing the low oil pressure warning when the oil is up to temp. I've got a decent dash mounted oil pressure gauge which shows 15-17 psi when the dash warning appears so am fairly confident I do have an issue.
I need the car for work and the school run so needa quick turnaround. I'm guessing the issue is in the block somewhere, I know to be 100% sure the engine needs to come out and be stripped down.
Option One - I'm thinking about using my existing head and ancillaries with a brand new short block from VW. Hence me asking if my head would need a skim before mating it up to the block. This is possibly using a sledgehammer to crack a nut, replace the block rather find the exact part.
The short block is £2600 so is not a cheap option.
Option Two - Buy a used short block, strip it down, inspect it, get any necessary machining done and fit new parts if/where needed. Then mate this to my head. The used block could turn out to be a mess and need news rods, liners etc. The total cost of this would not be know up front.
Option Three - Fit a new balance shaft assembly, The part is £800 new or £600 for a recon unit. Some of the bolts are single use, I need sump sealant also. Down side to this is fitting it only to find the balance shafts and assembly wasn't the issue. This work is a few hours work.
Option Four - Buy and fit a complete used engine from a breakers for 1k.
Option Five - use one of these drive in drive out places who fit an engine they have reconditioned. How well has the engine work been completed?
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 23, 2020 18:31:42 GMT
|
|
option 6, get a cheap runabout and sort the existing engine, thats the cheapest route.
|
| |
|
|
gte86
Part of things
Posts: 611
|
|
Jan 23, 2020 18:44:32 GMT
|
|
Option 6 sounds best. Avoid option 5. Obviously don't know individual companies but never seen a good 'recon' engine from a place like that
|
| |
|
|
stealthstylz
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 14,829
Club RR Member Number: 174
|
|
Jan 23, 2020 19:19:20 GMT
|
|
The head will need work to be right, valve guides will be shot as they are in all VWs.
Personally I'd get your engine reconditioned. Won't be any more than a £2600 short block even with the cost of brand new balance shafts fitted.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 23, 2020 21:06:03 GMT
|
|
Not one of VAGs best efforts. Most of their balancer shaft engines give issues.
|
| |
1967 Triumph Vitesse convertible (old friend)
1996 Audi A6 2.5 TDI Avant (still durability testing)
1972 GT6 Mk3 (Restored after loong rest & getting the hang of being a car again)
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 23, 2020 21:11:56 GMT
|
The head will need work to be right, valve guides will be shot as they are in all VWs. Personally I'd get your engine reconditioned. Won't be any more than a £2600 short block even with the cost of brand new balance shafts fitted. Can you recommend anyone? |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 23, 2020 23:46:02 GMT
|
|
that man you quoted does engine stuff for a living!
|
| |
|
|
stealthstylz
Club Retro Rides Member
Posts: 14,829
Club RR Member Number: 174
|
|
|
|
Can you recommend anyone? Where abouts are you? I can send you a price over when I get to work, can always use it as a guide on cost if you're miles away. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Can you recommend anyone? Where abouts are you? I can send you a price over when I get to work, can always use it as a guide on cost if you're miles away. Work in Manchester. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
Jan 24, 2020 15:35:41 GMT
|
|
At 15 psi on hot idle I wouldn't worry about it yet. As long as it jumps up as soon as the revs pick up.
|
| |
|
|
|
|
