Engine Wear Help (Longish)

[Michel]

Guys,

I know I don't post here much, and so feel a bit cheeky only asking for help whenI do but here goes..

ABY Avant on an M plate...black leather, wood trim in a ruby red wrapper..

APPROX 150,000 MILES...Head reworked with Timecerts (after a plug popped out) about 10,000 miles ago.. renewed turbo at the same time.

Took my car to be serviced and Mot'd and for them to have a look at a very occassional puff of blue smoke... only present when engine is warm, light throttle, about 40-50mph.. typically in a motorway road works section..so about 1-2 mins after slowing down for speed limit it appeared.

The garage , who have looked after it for the last 4 years, did a leak down test which showed #1 cylinder with a 50% leak and the others all on the poor side...

Their adivce is 'get rid of it' quick... however it has now failed an MOT and that runs out in the next week or so, rendering that option 'difficult'...or rebuild the engine around a 'new' to this car block....and hope that the replacement is less worn. They reckon if the rings are worn then the cylinders are also worn and oversized....Not totally convinced on this but then my experience is not of this age of car..

Now on the rolling road the car shows above spec outputs...which would lead one to assume somebody (three POs) had visited a garage....power output is very peaky...with a noticeable lag...but its part of the car's overall character..

So question is....what to do...

Options I have are:-

1) Sell, as is, where is, as a project.. (value?)
2) Rebuild the engine...cost? and how.
I seem to recall that somebody here.. (was it Mark Halligan? ) overbored the block and sourced replacement pistons to suit....maybe I'm wrong...or is the replacement route the one to go down and where do I find an appropriate block? or would a non ABY block (is it 7A) be suitable.. not too mechanically minded or able here...?

I'm not looking for a power hike... honest I'm not..the current amounts are fine, however I'd probalby take hte opportunity to refine the power delivery character to be a bit more linear..the current 'kick' is not always pleasant.

I find the current balance of speed and brakes acceptable and certainly do not need additional speed... as its certainly the cause of the additional wear...

In my mind the ideal scenario would be to ge the current and original block reworked, even over bored with new pistons/rings, keep the same rods and crank, allied to a more tractable power delivery and hey presto.. my ideal car...but is this realistic... or does the block need to be binned and a replacement one sought...any thoughts very welcome...

Cheers,

Michel.

[baltiboyS2]

I got my block fully overhauled for £500 quid with heavy duty bearings fitted it came back with the block painted also it was a trade price but gives you something to base a price on


Raj ABY

[Fat Audi 80]

Are you SURE the garage KNOW what they are talking about? It is rare for S2's to have bore wear even at that mileage. If it does need a rebore then talk to Ross (that is his username) as he has just done one, although to a higher spec with stronger rods.

If you need any further help, talk to MRC (sponsors on here) and Doug will give you the definitive answer.

HTH

Cheers,

Steve

[Michel]

Steve,

I 'think' they are pretty knowledgeable.. expensive yes, but pretty good...Thanks for the rest of the information though...very useful.

Cheers,

M.

[twoqu]

Hi!
Well the first question to ask is who is going to do the work? If you are paying someone that adds considerably to the costs.
Then there is the false economy syndrome. Once you start you notice that other things need attention, i.e. clutch. Costs start to escalate.
Basicaly you need to decide whether you are committed to the car or not. You won't be able to necessarily get whatever you sink into it. So if you are happy to drive this vehicle when its in good health, go for it!
If not, then its time to cut your losses. Not particularly a fan of "its trouble get rid of it to someone else" solutions. However, might be interested in a project!

[Fat Audi 80]

Yes, ditto your remarks twoqu, if the engine is out, you should look at doing the clutch too if it has not been done. There are lots of items that could be replaced while you are there saving you money in the long run.

You do have to be committed to these cars sometimes.

Cheers,

Steve

[Michel]

Guys,

Thanks.. if it gets done then somebody else will be doing all the spanner work.. no good at it myself and precious little time...

Clutch was top of the 'whilst we are there' list...along with checking the gear box and drive shaft etc etc..

If I had my way the cost issue would not be one.. however the better half isn't very comfortable in the car...and does not drive it.. loves the way it goes..but not very comfortable in it for long periods of time.. two or so hours max..

Twoqu,
If it goes I'll make sure I offer it here first.. the best place for it to go to the right people...

Thanks again.

[twoqu]

Unfortunately then the labour costs are going to be the biggest factor in your decision.
As someone had already asked, it depends on where the pressure from the leakdown test is going. If its into the crankcase then the worn bore/rings diagnosis is valid.
Last time I checked, piston were approx £400 a set. Then there's the machining, new gaskets, shells, etc. But then it would give another 100k of service!

[Michel]

Pretty certain the pressure is going into the oil passages....

Head was rebuilt not long ago...and it does not show signs of 'burning' oil..valve stems leak etc which are associated with the head...

So a bottom end rebuild is on the cards..

Any idea of how many hours this takes?

Trying to get a budget together...

[s2dude]

Pretty certain the pressure is going into the oil passages....

Head was rebuilt not long ago...and it does not show signs of 'burning' oil..valve stems leak etc which are associated with the head...

So a bottom end rebuild is on the cards..

Any idea of how many hours this takes?

Trying to get a budget together...

pm Audiman (Tom) on this forum as he has a garage and rebuilt Ross's new engine.....

He knows his stuff with these cars

I would say you would be looking at £1000-£1500 but it depends on whats wrong and needs replacing

Well worth doing rather than selling though if you ask me!

[baltiboyS2]

Sorry for being cheeky but with me buying the oil pump from audi and the sump bolts and water pump etc i still was not any were near £1500 quid in getting the block overhauled

for a standard aby rebuild without pistons and oil pump and water pump the price was £430 quid all in that was a light hone new bearings all round and rings and all the gaskets

Raj ABY

[s2dude]

Sorry for being cheeky but with me buying the oil pump from audi and the sump bolts and water pump etc i still was not any were near £1500 quid in getting the block overhauled

for a standard aby rebuild without pistons and oil pump and water pump the price was £430 quid all in that was a light hone new bearings all round and rings and all the gaskets

Raj ABY

Yeah. But was that including all the labour involved??

engine out...refit etc??#


If so. I need the garages number please!!!

[caterpillar]

get another short block,an use the head again...you may have a cracked piston.

[Michel]

S2dude,
PM sent to Tom....see what he has to say..



Caterpillar,
Interesting idea...if I could find a decent short block....or does Auid still do these...I'd love to know the price..

[DJones]

Try Aelred on the forum he built my block for me in fact its the second one he has done for me, both have been top jobs he's a good guy.