2008 Golf GT 1.4 TSI major engine issue

[GolfGT]

Hi guys, my 2008 Golf GT (1.4 twin charger engine) broke down whilst driving the other day. Basically the car started idling really rough and barely moved under its own power. I got the car towed to a local RAC mechanic and they've since told me that there is an issue with cylinder two and busted valves.

About 18 months ago I had the timing chain done after that failed (2.2k to repair) and now the mechanic is quoting nearly 4k just to open the engine and investigate the issue. He advised that the cylinder issue may just be a symptom of a wider issue that could cost a lot more to repair and that getting a new engine is probably going to be cheaper.

Now I'm stuck with a car that could cost more than it's worth to repair, without actually knowing for certain. I've called a few other mechanics but no one can give me a price to fix it without seeing the car first.

Anyone got an advice on what to do? The car's always been serviced on time and has 110,000 kms on it. Obviously I've since read all the trouble this engine has and am pretty annoyed I didn't do my research before I bought it 2 years ago.

[Mk R]

Sorry to hear that. Depends on the availability of engines and where you live but engine swaps have been done recently for under $3,000 from what i've heard. I guess it's up to you whether it's worth doing or just selling for parts. If you have space and time you could get a few grand for it stripped down and sold off.

As a rough guide, labour for an engine swap at a non dealer Sydney workshop should be $1000-1500 and the engine should be $1500-2500(for a really good post 2012 block).

[idaho]

What did they say was actually wrong with Cyl #2, or how did they come to that conclusion?

[Passat my07]

It might be worth towing it to a workshop that has experience with these engines. $4k sounds a bit over the top just to diagnose the fault. No parts would be required and you would know a fair bit after a leak down test and putting a camera down the spark plug hole. Also checking the cam timing wouldn't take that long. It sounds like they don't want the job.

[Mk R]

It will almost certainly be total loss of compression in cylinder 2 from a piston crack near the rings. There's a whole bunch of reasons why but the usual point of failure is the piston.

I have gone through this before in my Mk VI. I went for an engine swap, others have rebuilt with forged pistons. The rebuild is more expensive but will leave you with what is essentially a brand new engine that will be much stronger. If you choose to keep the car it is worth upgrading the injectors, intercooler, coil packs and fuel pump to make sure it runs cooler, sparks harder and gets plenty of fuel.

[CraigR]

Claim on your insurance. A friend of mine blew his Evo up and NRMA paid to get it fixed, and another friend blew his box up in his XR4, insurance took care of that too. Worth a shot maybe?

[GolfGT]

Thanks for the replies guys, really appreciate it. I'm going to call my insurance and see if they can offer anything.

I want to fix it with the cheapest option possible as I plan to sell it and buy a bigger car (which I was going to do before it broke down anyway).

I've got a quote for a new engine from ASV wreckers for 3.6k delivered. Is there anywhere else where I should be trying?

[CraigR]

You could try obtaining a wrecker from the auctions, Manheim and the like.

[Snail Style]

I'm chasing a motor now so i can start doing an exchange turn around on these things. Still getting call about a motor i had advertised two years ago

[Mk R]

LOL, I remember trying to buy that off you! I ended up getting one from a wrecker instead. It's still going strong now after a couple years of APR stage 1 flogging and the old 2009 CAVD is still up the back of my mechanic's shop!

[Mk R]

That's a bit pricey but i understand the Mk V GT uses a BLG code motor instead of the more common CAVD in the Mk VI. Once you get to about $4k you're in Wossner forged piston territory which is a better value proposition and essentially leaves you with a brand new "built" engine.

[GolfGT]

If I go down the rebuild route, I'm guessing it's probably better i get it done at a VW specialist as opposed to the RAC mechanic?

I'm still trying to decide whether i'll get more money back if I fix it and sell it, or sell it as is.

[Snail Style]

Send me your old motors! I plan on doing an exchange service for a rebuilt long block with forged pistons

[brad]

How viable would it be to source a GTI engine (and ECU?) and fit that? Or would it be endless faffing such as gearbox, driveshaft, etc incompatability.

[Saabg]

It looks like I'm in a similar position. I bought my car late last year with only 105,000 and it's now in 120,000km as I use it driving for uber.

http://www.vwwatercooled.com/forums/f98/possible-bargain-2010-jetta-tsi-116203.html?highlight=

The other day I was driving when I heard what I thought was an intercooler pipe being blown off. 500m down the road I was broken down. I had her towed to European auto tech who have now told me I have a blown turbo and one oiston sitting on 50psi. I'm undecided wether or not to replace the engine as the cheapest I've found is $4000! Does anyone know somewhere I can get the engine and turbo rebuilt if I pull it out myself?