OPINIONS PLEASE (UPDATE)...

[Thom89]

Be sure to find out exactly what was wrong in the first place, before committing to a rebuild! is the block warped or cracked, is the cylinder head warped or cracked, does the crank have any life left in it! if there are any issues with these components, and you decide to rebuild, you could be potentially throwing away a great deal of money for nothing, and have to start all over again!
I would consider finding an engine from another car, that your engine guy could hear running, for peace of mind, change the clutch and away you go! and steer away from reconditioned engines, they tend to last just a little longer than the warranty!
Tom

[Agreeable Slick]

Rebuild.

Couldn't be assed to read the thread all the way through.

[GemGTI]

thom89 - why change the clutch?

thanks for your advice have written down everything you said about block, cylinder head etc and will ask him about this.

 

[Veedubgt18v]

cos if u have to take the gearbox off (which you will) it makes sense to put a new clutch in unless the old one isnt worn.

[Len]

If the compression test was fine then there should have been no reason to split the engine!!!!!

Sounds as if you been misled.

So now I would be very wary about letting this guy rebuild your engine!

Tell us what the original problem was!!!!!

If it was overheating and the comp test was ok then it could be a split in the block which means that its not worth rebuilding!!!!!

[GemGTI]

Please see...

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=41954.0

This should explain what the problem was.

[Thom89]

Gemma, please be very carefull.. a properly done rebuild costs £Â£Ã‚£s, and unless you go through the whole engine with a fine toothed combe its really not worth doing   Im sorry , but you have to question the wisdom of this man, the only guanantee you have is that if anything goes wrong, this guy will fix it free of charge!!! and he's got to buy any new parts that may get damaged..  I would steer well clear, it's not worth the hassle, the money, the time and the greif.
Find yourself a second hand engine, from a reputable salvage specialist, i'm sure that there are enough people here to help you out in that department, get it, put in, and enjoy your car!, it will only cost you money!
Tom

[Agreeable Slick]

Needless to say i completely disagree with all of the above but what do i know, i only rebuilt my old valver. 

[Dizzie]

I'm rebuilding my 20vT. Loving every minute of it and can't wait to finally hear it fire up

Pistons rings - there are 3 of them at the top of the piston. the previous explaination will do me. they also keep the piston in the centre of the bore. you have to be carefull not to break them when inserting the pistons into the block.

big end shells - installed in the big end of the con rod and wear before the rods or crank and are cheap to replace. just bought a set from GSF for £11 and replacing them tomorrow as mine is a little rattley

[GemGTI]

AAAgggghhh! maybe I shouldn't have asked! I don't know what anything else is either! Nevermind. I'm useless when it comes to the mechanics of cars.  Thanks for explaining anyway. I just know I love mine and want it to get better soon! But still don't know what do do about getting the engine rebuilt or not!