Engine Worries and MOT's

[ChrisO GolfO]

Hey All,

About last year July had my MOT and it barely scraped thru because of poor Emissions, fast forward one year and my car smokes more than I do which is worrying but not all bad because it could be a few things, best case its the valve stem seals but worrying it could be worse.

What do you suggest I do? I have about 2 months and counting to get it sorted once and for all for the MOT. I live in Northampton and have been approached by a few friends who know a mechanic who can do jobs like on like the side of the road type, I know a guy who used to own a garage who might be willing to help. But these im sorry to say I dont know if I can trust i.e. how long would it take them to do it and how much they could charge me.

What I want to know is if it worth going with these guys or getting a proper garage to do the job?

[black ryder]

hi m8 i think it all really boils down to how much you want to spend, maybe try getting a couple of quotes of known garages and see how much they will be, u never know you might be surprised 

[Uruk Hai]

You could try having a compression test done and ask them to do a dry test then a wet test, this should at least give you some idea weather its the valve stem seals or the rings and it shouldnt cost too much !

[ChrisO GolfO]

Good idea, I called Elite Auto's and they quoted me about 50 to 60 quid for a Full diagnosis test on my engine which they said would take the best of a day but by the end they would be pretty certain what the issue is without having to dismantle any major engine parts.

Think I would die though if it was mega expensive whatever the problem is  Still if it needed to be off the road for any ammount of time I could get my GTI on the road at anytime.