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Is it goosed?

California Bubble

California Bubble

Messages
51
Location
Hitchin
Vehicle
T4 PopTop
Timing belt on my 2.4d failed yesterday. I’m waiting on an inspection from a mechanic, but wondering what the chances are that the engine is cooked?

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Can’t recall if it’s an interference engine or not?
Always repairable.
 
if your very lucky you may have bent the valves

Head off carry of remedial works

if your unlucky you’ll be replacing pistons etc (full engine rebuild) at which time take the time to make the engine like new !

Engineering company in watford will be able to carry out any machine work

 
It was changed 3 years and 15000 miles ago.
I was weighing up the costs of repairing and selling vs selling as is. I’ve had 10 years of blistering reliability out of the T4, but I’m driving further and more frequently now so I’m in need of a little more creature comforts (AC, cruise control)!.. Gutted really, it’s part of the family.
 
It was changed 3 years and 15000 miles ago.
I was weighing up the costs of repairing and selling vs selling as is. I’ve had 10 years of blistering reliability out of the T4, but I’m driving further and more frequently now so I’m in need of a little more creature comforts (AC, cruise control)!.. Gutted really, it’s part of the family.
Cruise control should be an easy install on this T4. Even AC can be installed, but will cost a lot more.

And this timing belt was only 3 years old with 15000mi? What about the warranty it should be good for at least 60000mi?
 
It was changed 3 years and 15000 miles ago.
I was weighing up the costs of repairing and selling vs selling as is. I’ve had 10 years of blistering reliability out of the T4, but I’m driving further and more frequently now so I’m in need of a little more creature comforts (AC, cruise control)!.. Gutted really, it’s part of the family.
Did they change all related parts tensioner etc ,strange it failed so early must be a reason normally a very good strong engine
 
Did they change all related parts tensioner etc ,strange it failed so early must be a reason normally a very good strong engine
Yes, all the associated parts were changed. Unfortunately the mechanic I used no longer operates, so there’s no one to go back to to question. He was very familiar with the T4 though and had two of his own.
 
It was changed 3 years and 15000 miles ago.
I was weighing up the costs of repairing and selling vs selling as is. I’ve had 10 years of blistering reliability out of the T4, but I’m driving further and more frequently now so I’m in need of a little more creature comforts (AC, cruise control)!.. Gutted really, it’s part of the family.
Exactly the reason we swapped our first 4 for a later one. AC and cruise is a game changer.

I can recommend Scottys Van Centre in Wendlebury near Bicester. I used them for years.
There is nothing they don’t know about 4s
They’ll have it back on its feet in no time.
 
That’s interesting. Was reasonably low revs when all went quiet. I’m hoping to have an initial assessment done this week, then I’ll see where I end up. I’ve also read conflicting things online about valve damage, so I’ll be reporting back the diagnosis.
 
Exactly the reason we swapped our first 4 for a later one. AC and cruise is a game changer.

I can recommend Scottys Van Centre in Wendlebury near Bicester. I used them for years.
There is nothing they don’t know about 4s
They’ll have it back on its feet in no time.
AC is essential. That’s a huge windscreen to bake behind when the summer arrives!
 
That’s interesting. Was reasonably low revs when all went quiet. I’m hoping to have an initial assessment done this week, then I’ll see where I end up. I’ve also read conflicting things online about valve damage, so I’ll be reporting back the diagnosis.
What’s the prognosis?
 
It was changed 3 years and 15000 miles ago.
I was weighing up the costs of repairing and selling vs selling as is. I’ve had 10 years of blistering reliability out of the T4, but I’m driving further and more frequently now so I’m in need of a little more creature comforts (AC, cruise control)!.. Gutted really, it’s part of the family.
If no engine damage occurred then having it repaired is a no brainer. Driving further and more frequently (especially if crossing borders), I would tend towards trading it in for a newer vehicle regardless of outcome.
I think it's unlikely that you would recover the costs of an engine rebuild on trade in and would speak to a few dealers before having it repaired to see what they can offer as is.
 
hello, the 2.4 l diesel 5 cylinder has two belts; one comes from the alternator and charges the car battery. You can continue driving at least until your starter battery is flat ;-) (note: I am not a technician :D)
I once had it in the UK, but I did have a spare set of two belts with me (because the seize must of course be correct). I was then helped quickly and efficiently by an independent small garage owner. We were able to continue our journey that same day. The other belt (water pump I thought) is normally replaced together with the water pump to keep everything up to date.
In fact, those engines are almost indestructible, only overheating can destroy them; Therefore, if the engine temperature is above 90°, it is best to put it aside and wait 10 minutes. Never let it reach 100° and certainly not above that. Ours had 345,000 km and drove (according to our then official VW dealer) better than in 1991. It is now 33 years old and is still driven around Brussels every day by the family who bought it from us at the time. We had been traveling with it for 10 years to our great satisfaction.
I hope you don't have any real engine damage and can drive again soon.
We bought a new T6.1 for the air conditioning, engine power and the nice easy features (seats in de tailgate, sliding table on a rail, extra table in the sliding door) compared to a T4 Westfalia. For me the atmosphere is still the same in a new one, but the 'nostalgic' driving is no longer there, but I don't miss it. Good luck!
 

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