2001 1.8 LX - New engine - Richie_green
I have been experiencing a number of problems with my car for the last few months, with the engine rattling very badly.
Last week the car wouldnt start so I towed it to a garage whom have said it has something to do with no compression when starting (?) as far as I understand. He has been unable to get it started so has suggested a new engine as the best option. I was rather bemused so took it to another two garages and both said the same.
How much would I be looking at?

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 16/01/2008 at 21:18

1.8 LX - New engine - Screwloose
Richie

What year is it and what's the story - this being only the tail end of it?

When did it start rattling and what caused it? Did it smoke etc?
1.8 LX - New engine - Richie_green
Its a Y reg 2001.
The car was purchased in August and it started to make a rattly noise, almost like something was loose in the engine, however this went away.

The rattle has then come back and got progressively worse. It sounded like it was at the top of the engine but only happened when iddling or when revving. The rattle was like the engine was struggling and like it could conk out at any moment. When starting, I has to have my foot flat to the floor other wise it wouldnt start.

So last Sunday, I went out and nothing, completely dead. The engine was just ticking.

The garages have all said battery is fine, starter and plugs are all fine.

The engine has never smoked
1.8 LX - New engine - Screwloose
Richie

Did you buy it privately or from a trader? How many miles has it done and do you have the full service history?

Did the first garage [or any of them] do a compression test and what were the figures?

I can't help thinking that if this was something terminal down the bottom end of the engine, then it should have smoked, or used a lot of oil - did it?
1.8 LX - New engine - Richie_green
It was a private purchase and it had done 115k (now has 120k) with a FSH to 95000.

They did do a compression test and it was very low (sorry I dont exactly understand what they told me!)

Oil consumption was a little higher than normal but not excessive.

I have searched the web but cant find costs of a new engine.
1.8 LX - New engine - Screwloose
Richie

To put a Ford exchange unit in; with all the necessary new bits [clutch etc.] - c.£15-1800

You're probably better off finding a good second-hand unit - leave sourcing it to whoever's doing the fitting, as this is shark territory.
1.8 LX - New engine - Richie_green
The garage is going to put in a second hand unit - I have a garage doing all this for me but they have been unable to give me a price.

Thanks for your time
1.8 LX - New engine - Turtle1966
There's a place near Heathrow that I contacted when my Head Gasket went last last year (Mondeo 2.0 Zetec).

They quoted me about £900 for a fully reconditioned unit, installed.

Just so that you have a guide to go by.

S
1.8 LX - New engine - cheddar
Is there not a situation where this engine can ingest a butterfly valve from the inlet manifiold?

Perhaps the initial rattling was the loose butterfly and the serious issues and loss of compression are as a result of it becoming loose and being ingested.

As advised a new engine is required, I would avoid a reconditioned engine and get a secondhand one from a car with a know mileage, ideally service history and a warranty on the engine. Might be easier to get a complete gearbox/engine assembly.
1.8 LX - New engine - Screwloose
cheddar

That's a distinct possibility - it would certainly fit with the lack of smoking. Maybe there is a case to spend some money doing further investigation of the failure.
1.8 LX - New engine - Gromit {P}
There's a place near Heathrow that I contacted when my Head Gasket went last last
year...


Is this the one that keeps changing its name?

To reiterate Screwloose's sound advice "leave sourcing it to whoever's doing the fitting, as this is shark territory". A quick forum search on reconditioned engines will show you how!
1.8 LX - New engine - Richie_green
Thanks guys, I have left this with the garage to deal with.
1.8 LX - New engine - Galaxy
Yes, that's right, don't go anywhere near Heathrow when it comes to buying Reconditioned Engines!



1.8 LX - New engine - Turtle1966
Yes that's right don't go anywhere near Heathrow when it comes to buying Reconditioned Engines!


LoL! I didn't! I just thought it may be a useful benchmark for the price he may expect to pay?!?