I've already suggested to AST that he goes to a Motor Factor, ask if they can find out who makes the sunroofs for Land Rover, and source a replacement sunroof seal that way. Maybe another backroomer has a more direct answer as to who makes this pop-up sunroofs: probably Weathershields or Webasto.

HJ

Russ,

This sems about right for a nice spec/colour 306. They are always in demand.

If you are determined to buy this one let the dealer know you are very serious and wear him down the extra few hundred. It may take a few cups of machine coffee though!

David

Thanks Andrew

Surely it is a good idea to remove the dirt that can build up in engines? When i bought mine i removed the sump in case there was any accumulated "junk". Junk tends to build up in the sumps of this engine, as a fair amount of oil remains in the sump when the oil is drianed. I concluded that if any significant wear had taken place to the cams, followers etc, that the remains would accumulate here, and wreck my main bearings. Thankfully there was no junk.
I believe Mobil acknowledged that its oil could lead to premature failure 8 years ago, and subsequently changed the formula. How long ago did you experience problems?
Soon after i bought the car, i removed the rocker cover to investigate the condition of the cam chain, as HJ had mentioned these could wear. The chain appeared tight, but i replaced it anyway, along with a set of tappets. At the time i fitted a high-lift inlet camshaft. The tappets, 15k miles latter still make no noise when starting from cold. However, two at the cam-belt end occasionaly tick when hot, which makes me think they are faulty. If i get time i will replace them and see if that cures it. Earlier 16v engines are noisier than later ones due to the different shape of the teeth on the cam-chain sprocket. When i changed the inlet cam, i stuck in a 40k mile cam from a J reg 16v, this had the more rounded teeth.
One reason HJ's Jetta went better than mine when i bought it (thats if anyone is interested?) was because it was fitted with a 42mm inlet manifold. VW fitted 50mm intakes to 88' Model year cars onwards. These manifolds loose you 7 ft/lb of torque at peak. VW stuck to the 42mm for the mk.3 and Corrado. As a result i have stuck a 42mm manifold on my car. The manifold, intake cam, and a vernier pulley have increased mid-range torque from 119 ft/lb (which is standard for a 50mm car) to around 135ft/lb of torque (107bhp @wheels at 5k rpm). As a result the engine has a far better power curve, and i have lost no top-end power. Other than the pulley, i have profitted from changing the manifold and the cam. Cheap power. I think when the valve guides wear out, i will get the head ported by the wonderful David Baker if i can afford it. Then it might make some decent power.
I have cleaned the oil out of the metering head, and placed additional gauze in the breather pipe. I have seen no oil from the exhaust since then. I have thrashed the car for the past 1k miles and it appears to have used about 1/6 of a litre of Mobil 1, though i think a tiny amount may be leaking from one of the pipes to my Mocal oil cooler- is this excessive oil consumption from this engine?
Hj, the gearbox bearings didnt put me off your car- i could hardly hear them- it was the body work, lack of power steering, and the price you were asking for it at the time. I can do mechanical work reasonably, but i am useless with bodywork. The car i bought still has no rust other than a small amount around the scuttle gromit. When i bought it, it had recently had a new exhaust, alternator, raditor fan, two new tyres, a full service, and new engine mount. The car also had power steering and 256mm brakes. The interior was virtually brand new appart from the drivers seat.
The other cam type noise has turned out to be faulty water pump bearings. I had the water pump replaced about 2k miles ago, so i am not pleased. It makes the car sound like the small end-bearings are about to give up!!


"Don't try any fancy oils in your mota - stick with recommended semi-synthetic 10W40. Full synth can loosen the engine up and remove deposits leading to an oil burner - this could be your failing. A 13 year old VW engine does not warrant Mobil 1 or anything similar."

I cannot see any reason why synthetic oils are not reccomended for 13 year old VW enigines? I use Mobil 1 in the winter, and Valvolene 5W-50 in the summer. Synthetic oils last far longer than mineral oils, and protect the engine better. I know which i would rather have supporting my bearings at 7k rpm. The Mobil 1 will lubricate far better from cold, and when hot than a 10w-40 mineral base oil.

Ben

Mark (Brazil) don't worry about posting lots of web links, at least it keeps Bogush quiet while he's reading them all.