96 Golf GTI 2.0 8v Cambelt failure

[tomdann87]

Hi all, new to the forum - wish my first post was under better circumstances. The cambelt in my 96 GTI 2.0 8v snapped on the way home the other morning, leaving me to coast to a stop on the side of the A22...

I was wondering if anyone had any advice on how to proceed? I've had a couple of over the phone quotes for repairs, which are currently averaging over £1000 as they're assuming worst case scenarios. Is there something for me to look for myself to see how much damage has been done? Bearing in mind I'm about as mechanically minded as a chimp...

The car's done 143000 miles, and only cost £900, so the logical thing seems to be to scrap it or sell it for parts, but the body and interior are in really rather good condition for it's age, and it has to be said, I'm quite fond of it. I'd definitely rather repair it if it's feasible.

Thanks in advance
Tom

[jmsheahan]

You need to get the cylinder head off really and check for damaged valves etc. You could pick up another engine/or cylinder head for a lot cheaper than 1k. Even having the cylinder head fitted by a garage should be half the quotes you are getting 

You could be extremely lucky and get away with a new belt and tensioner but I wouldn't hold your breathe unfortunately 

[Wayne]

Cheaper just to fit a s/h engine, so many mk3's being broken means you will have no trouble in finding one.

[rob.043]

yeah, should be easy to find a replacement engine,i.e. cylinder head, and block without anything else bolted on, for around £200 or less. Its common for people to swap out the 2.0 8v for something else so they are available for little money.  Ebay and foruns are a good place to look, the only problem may be getting it delivered.

Then you just need to get the new engine to a garage with the car and hopefully it should be swapped in less than a days labour. Perhaps as little as £200 again if all goes smoothly, plus coolant and oil, so maybe as little as £250 to pay the garage.

So to have change from £500 would be good going.

Alternatively, get £100 or whatever for scrapping it and put that and the repair money saved towards a replacement.

I think most on here woluld rather see the car saved from the scrappy, even if it is a mk3! 

[Seanl]

It's a very easy process swapping like for like, I was bridling it when my oil cooler went, and it killed the head gasket too. Cost me £85 for a fsh engine with 42k less than my original, and that included courier and all ancillaries too! Hire an engine crane for the w.end which will probs cost about £35, and job done for very little money! You can then flog some bits left over to make some money back like I did as well.  if u decide to do this, just make sure u label everything up, and take tons of pictures. It can honestly be done in a day for bugger all money, unless u wanna replace and tidy things up, which u may as well whilst it's out. Will give u lots of confidence to do other things too. 

[rossbarry1]

think i have a 2e head floating around, will have a look tommorow if your interested.

[tomdann87]

Thanks for everyones suggestions. In the end I've decided to go for a replacement, picked up a 52 plate Leon in really good nick for a good price. As much as I'd love to save the old girl, I need a reliable car immediately and messing around with an engine swap is a little out of my league.. don't want to see her go to scrap though, so there'll be an ad up soon for someone who has the time, skills and inclination to get the job done.

Thanks again.

Tom