Possible dead engine

[Steveo_40]

Hi guys, I have a Mk3 Golf 2.0L 5 speed manual, that I did my weekly oil and water check on, and found oil in the water. So its done a head gasket. I have also noticed now it has a Big end noise. So I went to my mates dad who used to build these engines over in South Africa, and he seems to think its not a big end but a water pump.

So today I will be pulling the belts off and starting it to see if the noise goes away. If it is a big end I don't have the facilities and time to be able to do and engine rebuild, as I need my car on a daily basis.

So instead of a two week job I was thinking of buying a second hand engine and just pulling the old one out and replacing it. I was wondering if anyone knows of any engines / wreckers, in the Gold Coast, Brisbane area. The other thing I was thinking was would there be a better engine I could replace it with ie. mk4 engine, or a better mk3 engine, keeping in mind I can't have anything turbo as I am on my "p's".

Thanks

[Peter Jones]

Hi guys, I have a Mk3 Golf 2.0L 5 speed manual, that I did my weekly oil and water check on, and found oil in the water. So its done a head gasket.

Don't assume that, it's pretty common for the oil cooler on these motors to corrode through and let water into the oil. Best to get a pro to check it out for you. You really need to get a proper diagnosis before you start pulling things out.

[Jarred]

Pete is right, it's not nessecarily the headgasket. A proper diagnosis could save you a world of hassle/pain/money.

if you do need a replacement engine, Golf Loon will probably be your best bet, reasonably priced, and shipped to your door.

[Steveo_40]

Hey guys thanks for the quick replies. I have pulled the water pump belt off and started the engine and its runs fine. I spun the water pump by hand and it sounds like a bucket of rusty nails. So i've found the problem. Thanks again for the help.

[Peter Jones]

You've found one problem. The stuffed water pump doesn't explain the oil in the water.

Pull the oil cooler off and pressure test it. It's the alloy box between the oil filter and the engine block.

You can pressure test it by blocking off one pipe and hooking the other pipe up to the garden hose. If any water comes out you've got a leak.

You can do that at the same time as you're replacing the pump.

If it is a leaky oil cooler that's putting water in the oil, you'll need to replace it, change the oil and filter, flush the oil out of the cooling system and replace the coolant.

[Ben J]

The other thing I was thinking was would there be a better engine I could replace it with ie. mk4 engine, or a better mk3 engine, keeping in mind I can't have anything turbo as I am on my "p's".

Thanks

vr swap

[Bora Sport]

Sounds like you don't need it but I do have a complete engine and gearbox sitting here in my garage and I am keen to sell it. I bought it for when our Vento engine wore out. Unfortunately number one son wrote off the car so I now have no need for the engine or gearbox.