what would YOU do to a 16v engine whilst it's out

[Khare]

As title. As you know on the 30th of April I shall be converting my car to 16v power. 16v engine will obviously be out of the donor car whilst it is transplanted.

This engine needs to be VERY reliable for the summer (round trip to the far end of Spain), so oil leaks, water leaks and any other leaks need to be fixed! What are the common places for the 16v to leak? Camshaft cover one I suspect?

110VG0170       VALVE COVER GASKET SET       G3 2.0 16V ABF Engine Ch.1H-R-600001>       17.50

What about water leaks? cylinder head side is a common one on the 8v's, is it the same on the 16v's?

[Ben Lessani]

I would put it into a MK2 More specifically, my MK2.

More sensibly, I would be inclined to check over the usual cheap bits - valve steam seals and guides, rings etc.

[Khare]

I would put it into a MK2 More specifically, my MK2.

More sensibly, I would be inclined to check over the usual cheap bits - valve steam seals and guides, rings etc.

Yeah it is wise to do so. Headgasket obviously being another main gasket. Are stem seals and guides cheap? Piston rings require engine to be split, so will skip on that.

[Ben Lessani]

Stem seals you can do in-situ - the guides need the head off, and then its always worth a valve re-grind - a good machining shop can do all of them for you if the head is off.

But, do you know the history of the engine. If was a good runner already, I'd be inclined not to really mess with it. But if you don't know the history, then for the sake of the price of parts,

new oil pump, belts/tensioners/chain (if necc. - I don't know the ABF).

I'd leave the HG personally, unless it has shown signs of failing - the bolts and gasket set alone will set you back about £100 IIRC.

[justalex81]

cam it and lighten the flywheel. new clutch and replace all gaskets and sensors.

[VR6-Joe]

Sell it

Replace it with VR6

[Khare]

cam it and lighten the flywheel. new clutch and replace all gaskets and sensors.

and turbo it while I'm at it...

I won't have access to any machining shops or anything, all work will be done by me, DH and danny_p over the course of a weekend.
Clutch and cambelt + tensioner were done 19,000 miles ago, so they are alright for now. Not got any service history for the car or anything, so no idea of the condition inside.

[Wayne]

I would still replace the cambelt whilst you have got the engine out.

[Khare]

For now I'll leave it on, no need to be spending money I'm struggling to find. Just trying to source the most common leaks so I can travel in the summer with no problems.

[Ben Lessani]

I would still replace the cambelt whilst you have got the engine out.

+1 - if you have no history, I'd be replacing everything in sight. Is the engine in a car right now - ie. can you start it and run it? If you can, I would do some cold/hot compression tests, then cold/hot wet compression tests, a combustion leak test - then you've nailed off most symptoms of a failing/failed HG.

To add to your list, a new water pump and thermostat.

If I'm honest, I'm sure DH/danny_p know more than I do about engine maintenance