Buying a 16v - what to look for over an 8v

[MBChB]

I just love a bit of 8v vs 16v banter on a monday afternoon that's all. But yeah abf mk2 is top banana.

I won't argue with the 16v appreciation going on here!

[emery1990]

Do what I didnt do, look under the car for a big fat hole in it that'll make the car worthless !

[andykram]

The body work is fantastic to be honest but I know about all the common Mk2 weaknesses/problems anyway. And also about all the usual checks. At least from your responses it doesn't like there's any specific inherent weaknesses.
Having said that, I do recall vaguely having read at some point that valvers tend to need a top end rebuild or something around the 150 000 mile mark? A way off in this car's case but knowledge is always a good thing.

[Sam]

The body work is fantastic to be honest but I know about all the common Mk2 weaknesses/problems anyway. And also about all the usual checks. At least from your responses it doesn't like there's any specific inherent weaknesses.
Having said that, I do recall vaguely having read at some point that valvers tend to need a top end rebuild or something around the 150 000 mile mark? A way off in this car's case but knowledge is always a good thing.

I wouldnt worry about that buddy, top end re-build is a diy job so long as you purchase the right tools and do your research. Simple bench strip and take yo time. I did non of this and my car blew up, im sure the same wont happen to you hahah 

[Thom89]

A valver should have a piece of red carpet leading up to the drivers door, the 8v does not...

Thom

[andykram]

Well I'm going to look at it and hopefully do the deal on Saturday morning so I'd better get some red carpet ordered then!!!!!

[beechymonza]

Whats this piece of red carpet, I havnt seen this on mine

[bodga]

Make sure the cam chain is quite and does not rattle.

Not a bad job to do though so if it is rattling, use as a haggling tool

[VW BUSH]

Whats this piece of red carpet, I havnt seen this on mine

 

Smoke and noisey tappets from cold or when very hot, spot any of these and haggle away.

Top end build is a new headgasket and skim if you do it properly, new valves and seals and guides, dont skimp on guides or valves as just seals will blow through quickly, check tappets for wear and replace if required, new chain cambelt and tensioner, new oil and coolant.
Manifold gaskets in and out, Rocker cover gasket, injector seals, budget for some new studs in the head, head bolts, silicon sealant. with reasonable luck this should cover you to rebuild the head. Add some set up time to get it all running right Kjet/digi etc etc.
Not killer hard to do just take your time and dont skimp.
All the valver heads ive been involved with were made worse by a worn oil pump and resulting low oil pressure, if this is the case it is prudent to check for wear in the bores as I have found to my cost

Haggle as ABF's are cheap if you cant be bothered with a re build and a few days in the shed

[X4MGS]

A valver should have a piece of red carpet leading up to the drivers door, the 8v does not...

Thom

That cos most valvers break down - so you can lay a carpet extension from your front door to the shed thats on the drive...