1.6td (JX) replacement engine

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Hi all, 
I have a 1990 1.6td (JX) Westie which had the head gasket replaced twice and a new head fitted about 2yrs/ 8,000 miles ago. To my dismay the head gasket has just gone again. The engine has done about 150,000miles. As the problem with the head gasket seems to be reoccurring I've been told it might be better to replace the whole engine. Is this a sensible idea?
If I do replace the whole engine, can anyone recommend a garage in the South West that could fit one (preferably someone who has fitted T3 td engines before)? Also, can anyone recommend a good supplier for recon T3 td engines (the garage may have a preferred supplier but I've heard some companies do better recons than others)? 
Since I'm replacing the whole engine should I consider upgrading to a 1.9td (AAZ) engine, which I'm told is a fairly standard upgrade? Other than being a bit more expensive are there any negatives with doing this? 
I'm a total novice when it comes to mechanics so any advice greatly appreciated.  

Thanks in advance, 
Mat

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stannardmc Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Not Quite Newbie Joined: 22 Aug 11 Status: Offline Points: 21	Post Options Post Reply Quote stannardmc Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: 1.6td (JX) replacement engine Posted: 09 Mar 16 at 11:24
	Hi all, I have a 1990 1.6td (JX) Westie which had the head gasket replaced twice and a new head fitted about 2yrs/ 8,000 miles ago. To my dismay the head gasket has just gone again. The engine has done about 150,000miles. As the problem with the head gasket seems to be reoccurring I've been told it might be better to replace the whole engine. Is this a sensible idea? If I do replace the whole engine, can anyone recommend a garage in the South West that could fit one (preferably someone who has fitted T3 td engines before)? Also, can anyone recommend a good supplier for recon T3 td engines (the garage may have a preferred supplier but I've heard some companies do better recons than others)? Since I'm replacing the whole engine should I consider upgrading to a 1.9td (AAZ) engine, which I'm told is a fairly standard upgrade? Other than being a bit more expensive are there any negatives with doing this? I'm a total novice when it comes to mechanics so any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Mat

timmythedog Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Vanorak westy fetishist Joined: 29 May 08 Location: Nr Grenoble Status: Offline Points: 3415	Post Options Post Reply Quote timmythedog Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 15 Mar 16 at 18:20
	Was it really a new head? Has it now been cooked, If not it might be worth another go. JX lumps at 150k can certainly be past their best but not necessarily the case. Is there another problem in the colling system causing the trouble, maybe a knackered rad? The AAZ is a worthwhile replacement and not overly complex but not just a question of making that decision. You`ve got to find one first. The 2.0l AGG gti lump seems to be the flavour right now and is well worth considering. You will need someone competent to do the job and will get plenty of info if you punt around.
	Syncro doka td T4 Multivan Generation, 151 89 Caravelle Exclusive 2.1 Caravelle GL AFN tdi 53 plate T4 Panel.888 special x factor. 88 DG Panel(uncut) calypso Atlantic pop.

billen Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Vanorak Joined: 09 May 07 Location: United Kingdom Status: Offline Points: 1102	Post Options Post Reply Quote billen Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 24 Mar 16 at 15:20
	Just got mine back from Mario at MV engineering(only on Facebook). I used him because he has a good reputation. More than happy with it although the extra umpf from the 1.9TD did confuse me for a few days with it 'appearing' to rev too high (actually the old knackered engine was just bogging down in top). My previous engine was a 1.6TD that was apparently reconditioned by Elite VW (NEVER use them!) and fitted bty the previous owner, but was just trouble right from the start. I should have replaced it right from the start
	billen 1.6TD Westy poptop. New van, same old problems

rett Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: 12 Nov 10 Location: devon Status: Offline Points: 90	Post Options Post Reply Quote rett Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 02 Apr 16 at 23:15
	I got my jx recon from an outfit called A W engineering ltd It cost £ 1300 (exchange) done about 10k so far and is still good. I ended up replacing the turbo as well which was £350 and a new clutch to boot. the list goes on
	just cause ya breathing dont mean ya alive