The Brick-yard Homepage Brickwerks
Forum Home Forum Home > T4 Section. > T4 Chat
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Hello - my T4 just blew up!!!
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Hello - my T4 just blew up!!!

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>
Author
Message
Astrocharger View Drop Down
Not Quite Newbie
Not Quite Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 24 Feb 09
Location: London
Status: Offline
Points: 19
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Astrocharger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Hello - my T4 just blew up!!!
    Posted: 24 Feb 09 at 13:20

Hello All,

 

New to the forum so greetings!

 

So my beloved T4 has given up. I've had an absolute nightmare and simply don't know what to do - sick to the stomach in fact Dead

 

A bit of history:

 

Bought her in December last year from a bloke in Huddersfield. He had had a load of work done on it by Richard Alexander LTD (now known as VW Huddersfield). Replaced all the belts and all the pulleys. Great I thought at the time. Turns out they hadn’t fitted the oil pump assembly properly or re-adjusted the timing properly. So as the blizzards recently came down it wouldn’t start – lots of smoke when it eventually did etc. I put her in a garage near Nottingham. It was at this point that we found the inside of the belt cover was like candy floss with fibres from the belts where they were wearing badly and all out of line. New cam belt and timing belt needed after 4000 miles from the ‘VW’ work. Which this garage in Nottingham did for me. Rubbish I’m sure you’ll agree. VW Huddersfield didn’t want to know saying that the parts were under warranty but the work is guaranteed by the dealership (Richard Alexander LTD) which is now in receivership so I needed to speak to the administrators. This didn’t seem right to me so I spoke to VW who said the same thing. In short – a rock and a hard place.

 

The resulting damage has now become fully apparent and it seems like a piston has gone. I suspect the piston chamber is damaged as it won’t start any more. I got it going with easy start but it cut out as soon as I dropped the revs to change gear (loosing power stearing on a roundabout with my young family in the back was a bit of a moment!). Massive rattling coming from the engine – sounds like the piston slapping about. Loads of smoke where its not burning the oil because it isn’t getting the compression it needs. Maybe?

 

Anyway – its proper knackered!

 

Oh yeah – and some moron (one of its previous owners) seems to have replaced the engine at some point – from a 1.9TDI (the one it left the production line with) with a 1.9D (non turbo) from a VW Caddy!!!! Not sure what the thinking was there.. I guess it takes all sorts.

 

ANYWAY!!

 

HELP!! What should I do? I’m looking into replacing the engine with a recon. I may have to replace the gearbox too not to mention auxillary parts like turbocharger and fuel injector as the current engine doesn’t have any of these. A total nightmare basically.

 

I love my van and am determined to fight the good fight and get it back on the road. But as with most of us money is an issue and I wondered if anyone has done a full engine replacement and had any advice? I used to race hovercraft when I was younger so have some experience with tuning the XXXX out of motorbike engines, but non with VW diesel engines!! Any thoughts or suggestions would be very welcome. I’m at my wits end at the moment..

 

Hope you’re all having a better week than me!

charlie
Back to Top
Frankenstein View Drop Down
Yardie
Yardie
Avatar

Joined: 16 Feb 08
Location: stoke-on-trent
Status: Offline
Points: 805
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Frankenstein Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Feb 09 at 21:33
hi sorry to hear that ive just bought a t4 and it had a recon done by http://vwenginerecon.co.uk/ just before i got it.
(p.s get in the brickys arms and get round in tis traditionWink)
Dan Williams
Buzz-Worx Camper conversions, Merchandise printing, Decals, i.c.e and joinery
permanent work in progress www.buzz-worx.co.uk tel:01782 922656

email: info@buzz-worx.co.uk
Back to Top
Baxter View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group
Avatar
Scruff Daddy

Joined: 29 May 04
Location: Huddersfield
Status: Offline
Points: 8060
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Baxter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 24 Feb 09 at 23:00
Alexanders are well known around here for being a shower of shit.
I have seen many examples of their incompetance and most people who I know that have been there would not go back, thats why Huddersfield has a thriving VW specialist crowd, there are loads!
Anyway, they are gone now and a management team from VW are running it at the moment as far as I know and the Sytner group have now taken it on and will be in place shortly.
The T4's never came with a 1.9 TDI, just a 1.9TD, the ABL engine, the only TDI engines fitted to the T4 were the 2.5 TDIs. (ACV and AJT codes)
If you had been the original customer of the engine work carried out then I think you may have had a case, but now, as VW say, tough shit.
 
Back to Top
Astrocharger View Drop Down
Not Quite Newbie
Not Quite Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 24 Feb 09
Location: London
Status: Offline
Points: 19
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Astrocharger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Feb 09 at 11:08
The other thing about Alexanders is it seems to have the same staff working there. The girl I spoke to at VW Huddersfield gave me her name and it was her name on the Alexanders receipt - the same girl. When I pointed this out to her she was suddenly rather more interested in ending the conversation. Anyway, I agree they seem like the kind of place to stay well clear of.

Looks like its time to cough up for a new engine - 1.9TD ABL. I'll let you all know how I get on and maybe post some pictures (she's a reet beauty)..

Thanks for the input. See you in the Brickies Arms for a pint later
charlie
Back to Top
Baxter View Drop Down
Admin Group
Admin Group
Avatar
Scruff Daddy

Joined: 29 May 04
Location: Huddersfield
Status: Offline
Points: 8060
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Baxter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 25 Feb 09 at 22:31
I went for a job at the Audi place they also had.
New garage, new staff, been open about 6 months.
I had recently returned from France and was without work.
Went down, had an interview with one bloke, then i had to return on another dat to get interviewed by the "Big Boss"
Anyway, went 5 mins early as I usually do.
Told to sit down.
Waited.
Waited.
Went to reception, told to wait.
Waited.
After 45 minutes I went up to the desc and said rather loudly infront of a packed showroom that they could stick their job up their arse, as I no longer had any interest in working there as if they treat their staff like than on an interview i dread to think what it would be like if i ended up there.
One rather embaraced receptionist, a balcony full of suited sales types and a load of knowing nods from the viewing public.
Not been back since, never buy parts from them, they never rung me back.
set of c*nts.
Back to Top
orangina View Drop Down
Vanorak
Vanorak
Avatar

Joined: 16 Feb 06
Location: Godmanchester,
Status: Offline
Points: 2804
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote orangina Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 03 Mar 09 at 23:30
Hey Charlie,
 
Sorry to hear about your predicament fella but look on the bright side - you live in Huddersfield!
Now you may not think that is so great but it just so happens that a fella by the name of Baxter lives and works there...
 
 
Simon Baxter is the owner of the Brick-Yard and sole proprietor of Brickwerks...
 
 
Wish I lived near Huddersfield.


Edited by orangina - 03 Mar 09 at 23:31
Back to Top
ray356 View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 06 Nov 08
Location: darlington
Status: Offline
Points: 68
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ray356 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 04 Mar 09 at 23:14
just buy a full car with a 19d or 19td ( vw audi seat ) and swap the motor over easy to do swap a few bits off yours and away ya go things to do re-drill dipstick tube hole in the block and blank the old one off, re-drill and tap the holes for the mounting by the pulleys from 8mm to 10mm, swap the sump and oil pick up pipe swap the rocker cover, fly wheel and clutch and any ancillaries you need and away you go
northern classic and campers, unit 16 river view ind est. dodsworth street. darlington. co. durham. dl1 2ng. 07703514488
Back to Top
kleky View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 27 Mar 09
Location: St Andrews
Status: Offline
Points: 8
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kleky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Mar 09 at 17:46
Originally posted by ray356 ray356 wrote:

just buy a full car with a 19d or 19td ( vw audi seat ) and swap the motor over easy to do swap a few bits off yours and away ya go things to do re-drill dipstick tube hole in the block and blank the old one off, re-drill and tap the holes for the mounting by the pulleys from 8mm to 10mm, swap the sump and oil pick up pipe swap the rocker cover, fly wheel and clutch and any ancillaries you need and away you go


Good thinking ray, as it happens Im in a similar nightmare Dead

Do you know if a 2.5TDi or similar will fit in, instead of a 1.9D?

CHeers

Ian
Back to Top
ray356 View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 06 Nov 08
Location: darlington
Status: Offline
Points: 68
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ray356 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Mar 09 at 19:09
not sure m8, apparently the fit the gear box but you would be better fitting a 2.5 gearbox, and the mountings will be different, i always fit a car motor when they go wrong, you can pick one up from around £100 up over, hope this will help ya 
northern classic and campers, unit 16 river view ind est. dodsworth street. darlington. co. durham. dl1 2ng. 07703514488
Back to Top
kleky View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 27 Mar 09
Location: St Andrews
Status: Offline
Points: 8
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kleky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Mar 09 at 19:21
tbh I think i need something relatively straight forward as time is not on my side. A 2.5TDi conversion is way beyond me going by this guy that did it:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=13378

Its a really cool van, custom paint job and interior, and now with a bed so really want to keep it. Do you know anything that gows straight in? May just get a recon gearbox Ermm

Cheers Ray
Back to Top
ray356 View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 06 Nov 08
Location: darlington
Status: Offline
Points: 68
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ray356 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Mar 09 at 20:52
t4 motorSmile im just  doing a golf tdi one for mine at the mo sell ya my 19d when its done
northern classic and campers, unit 16 river view ind est. dodsworth street. darlington. co. durham. dl1 2ng. 07703514488
Back to Top
kleky View Drop Down
Newbie
Newbie


Joined: 27 Mar 09
Location: St Andrews
Status: Offline
Points: 8
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote kleky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Mar 09 at 21:51
you talking motor and gearbox? Would be interested matey, what price are you thinking (bear in mind Im over 4 hours drive from you though)? Oh, and would it all fit into a mk4 golf? :)

Back to Top
ray356 View Drop Down
Groupie
Groupie
Avatar

Joined: 06 Nov 08
Location: darlington
Status: Offline
Points: 68
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote ray356 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Mar 09 at 18:15
just the motor, i need the box,  mind there's a guy in chesterly street thats breaking a few, could try him Mel on 07710485240
northern classic and campers, unit 16 river view ind est. dodsworth street. darlington. co. durham. dl1 2ng. 07703514488
Back to Top
Astrocharger View Drop Down
Not Quite Newbie
Not Quite Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 24 Feb 09
Location: London
Status: Offline
Points: 19
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Astrocharger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Apr 09 at 09:18
Well a quick update..

I decided to bite the bullet and put a 2.5TDI in it. Eventually managed to find a donor vehicle and get the engine reconditioned. New head, belts, pulleys, recon turbo etc. Should go like shit off a stick!

I'm actually in London. The previous owner was in huddersfield. I suspect he knew all about the problems when I bought it and lied through his teeth to get rid of it. He had all the belts and pulleys done on it and I expect when he took it back to have the work re-done he found Richard Alexander LTD was no more and decided to sell it. I'd have a few things to say to him now should our paths ever cross.

Anyway.. not long now..

charlie
Back to Top
icky View Drop Down
Vanorak
Vanorak
Avatar

Joined: 01 Jun 06
Location: Windlesham
Status: Offline
Points: 1424
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote icky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 09 Apr 09 at 11:01
Glad to hear its ended (relatively) well! :)
Back to Top
karl44 View Drop Down
Not Quite Newbie
Not Quite Newbie


Joined: 09 Dec 08
Status: Offline
Points: 32
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote karl44 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Apr 09 at 22:26
Was the conversion difficult from the 1.9 to the 2.5tdi? any problems? and what donar car did it come from?
Back to Top
Astrocharger View Drop Down
Not Quite Newbie
Not Quite Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 24 Feb 09
Location: London
Status: Offline
Points: 19
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Astrocharger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 09 at 16:15
Quick update..
 
Still on going.. the donor vehicle is another T4!
 
Been a few complications. The old engine was out of a VW caddy and had know fancy electrics, a cabled throttle and no engine management, so it had to go to a specialist auto electrician to get the looms put in and everything in the dash transferred over. The pedal box assembly needs to be moved over as well as the accelerator on the 2.5 TDI feeds an electric pump rather than a good old fashioned cable. Certainly not my area of expertise but glad its being sorted by a pro. Should have the new lump dropped in next week when it gets back from the auto sparky!
 
Counting the minutes like a kid at christmas!
charlie
Back to Top
mrhutch View Drop Down
Moderator Group
Moderator Group
Avatar
the ginger princess

Joined: 21 Aug 07
Location: Herefordshire
Status: Offline
Points: 5147
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mrhutch Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 09 at 17:01
good stuff mate...  glad you stuck with it, you'll be happy you did.  Be interested to know how much the conversion cost ya if thats OK!
T3 1981 Westy Vanagon - thinks lubricant is a fuel
Back to Top
Astrocharger View Drop Down
Not Quite Newbie
Not Quite Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 24 Feb 09
Location: London
Status: Offline
Points: 19
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Astrocharger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08 May 09 at 17:10
Hahah a hahah
 
(laughs nervously as he shifts awkardly in his seat)
 
A lot at the moment. I'll let you know when its finished! The way I see it.. it ain't about the money. If I was concerned about best value for my motoring I'd probably by something really exciting and fun like a Ford Mondeo Wink
charlie
Back to Top
Astrocharger View Drop Down
Not Quite Newbie
Not Quite Newbie
Avatar

Joined: 24 Feb 09
Location: London
Status: Offline
Points: 19
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Astrocharger Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Dec 09 at 02:21
So, it's been a while. Had a few teething problems. The CV joint needed replacing, but she runs really good. I've done about 9K miles since and done 2 oil changes since the engine was fitted. Its great.. so glad I stuck with it. All new brakes and suspension - the rear shocks would max out if I put my wifes handbag in the back before!

Next I think is looking at remapping options - way beyond me. Its an 88BHP 2.5TDI and is fine, but it is still a bit slow when overtaking. Its really solid but has a very tight peak power range between 2.5k and 3k - I think! The rev counter is bust. I think it might be the PCB which would be a right cock. Anyway, any ideas? 4th gear is really rubbish. 2nd and 3rd are great - 5th is pure cruising. Foot flat on the floor in 5th and not a lot happens - a gentle response you might say - fine for cruising. I'm thinking remap + plus uprated injectors & intercooler + tuned pipes. Its all about the air and the juice surely?

Oh yeah and 18" alloys.. I know there is a ton of info on that here.. couldn't find any though.. probably me being a twat.

Any tips on the above?
charlie
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  12>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.06
Copyright ©2001-2023 Web Wiz Ltd.

The WebThis site