Might Need a New Engine - Recon or Not?

[DieselMeister]

Just got my sport back from the local Euro-specialist - looks like my new temp sensor didn't cure the temp gauge or rough running. They think it may be the beginnings of head gasket issues. Also, corroded fuel line is leaking, causing my 18mpg thirst. Of course, this is mucho labour intensive work (they est Ԛ£1500 or so, possibly more or less). I don't have the time or garage space to do this myself

I'm thinking that a potential Ԛ£2k bill on a 110k engine is bit much. Thinking about the possibility of a different unit but haven't been able to get Ԛ£ numbers on a recon unit (M20 2.5). Any help on sourcing / pricing one?

Other options include M30 drop in or others (M50/M52). I'm leaning toward an original spec, or possibly an M30 but want minimum hassle. I've only put 200miles on the car since buying it and it's frustrating to know I'll be driving it even less, so I'm looking to get up and running within a couple of months.

I've got a smallish wedge I can use as I just want to enjoy the car. More power would be nice but I'm not a complete speed freak and was thinking of a Turbo conversion from Ant if I keep to an M20. I will just have to put off some other mods (inc. saving for E36 M3 engine )

All help appreciated gents

If the zone shop gang wants to talk 2.7/2.8 etc. please drop me a pm!

[Brianmoooore]

Corroded fuel lie is easy enough to sort, but should have been picked up at MOT years before it actually leaked. Did it come with any MOT?
Best plan of action for the engine is to source one from a breaker. Off an early E34 525 with the M20 engine would possibly be less abused.
That should be cheap enough, and will keep you going untill you find that E36 M3 lump.

[DieselMeister]

Thanks Brian.

Yeah, the car is fully documented with 15 years worth of history and 10 months to go on the MOT and only 2 months since last service too. It was fine both times I test drove it (once hot, once cold, diffent days etc.) and has just got worse.

I'd guessed that an E34 lump might work best. Would I have problems putting in one from an auto donor? I presume that one from a manual would just drop in. What do you think I could get for my current lump?

Thanks again.

[Brianmoooore]

Auto E34 should be even less abused.
Would need to swap the flywheel over and fit a spigot bearing.
A good 2.5 M20 head is worth only slightly less than a complete engine, and you will need a few bits off the old block to fit the E34 engine.
2.5 heads go for aroubd Ԛ£150-00 or so on ebay, as long as it's not cracked.

[Martinaston]

Which temperature sensor was changed ? Blue or Brown.

And can you please explain what a Euro specialist is ?
Because i'm having trouble thinking of any cars that are not designed or built in europe.

[DieselMeister]

Which temperature sensor was changed ? Blue or Brown.

And can you please explain what a Euro specialist is ?
Because i'm having trouble thinking of any cars that are not designed or built in europe.

Heheh. They specialise in German and Swedish I shouild have put "Euro" in inverted commas.

Anyway, they replaced the blue temp sensor (for free I might add) and then kept the car in overnight to do a pressure test, which the car passed.

So I'm stumped. I was hoping that it might be a leaky inlet gasket or something. Anyway I might be getting a second opinion from another reputable engineer as I need to get some H&Rs and a sebring once I've been robbed (or not) on the engine front

[Ant]

110K is not high miles for the M20, in fact its only just been run in.

a headgasket swop wont break the bank unless you find a crack or something sinister

for the fuel lines, replacements are easily had, you can swop in some poly pipe and repair where the damage is using some compression fittings, not ideal but saves a good few hours labour, or use some pukka copper pipe and do it once and for all.

take a second opinion on the engine, get a cylinder leakdown test done, that will give a better indication of the condition of the bottom end than anything else

HTH

[DieselMeister]

110K is not high miles for the M20, in fact its only just been run in.

a headgasket swop wont break the bank unless you find a crack or something sinister

for the fuel lines, replacements are easily had, you can swop in some poly pipe and repair where the damage is using some compression fittings, not ideal but saves a good few hours labour, or use some pukka copper pipe and do it once and for all.

take a second opinion on the engine, get a cylinder leakdown test done, that will give a better indication of the condition of the bottom end than anything else

HTH

Yeah my thoughts exactly - it could be something other than an HG anyway. Thanks for tthe tips.

I'm miffed because I'd just saved up enough to get some mods going. they'l have to wait a bit now. Fancy an exhaust that sounds tasty and an induction kit.

Does the ITG need a heatshield?