Drewser
Veteran Member
- Joined
- Jul 19, 2002
- Location
- Mesa, AZ USA
- TDI
- '04 Jetta TDI Wagon, '04 Passat TDI, '03 Jetta TDI Wagon, several more in past
Starting a new thread for this and not making any assumptions. Bought a project car from someone I found through a mechanic friend. Mechanic said it needs a new engine. All I know for certain is that the dipstick tube melted and exhaust was seen in the coolant bottle. And has just over 300k (EDIT: actually 235k) miles on the odometer. It's actually only a 2 owner car...spent its first 12 years in Colorado with one person then down here in Northern AZ for a few years before the guy's sister drove it in Phoenix for a few years. Aside from copious amounts of cigarette ash, the interior and leather is in surprisingly good condition.
Picking it up on a trailer tonight and going to dig into it. Based on the partial gallon of gold GM coolant in the trunk, I'm guessing maintenance was pretty bad. I need to determine if it's worth putting money into this this engine (new EGR cooler, timing belt, water pump, extensive coolant flush, double oil change, etc.) or put a used motor in. Used motor would probably still get the timing belt changed, coolant flush, oil change, etc. I suppose. I've got $300 into the entire purchase so far so have some room to "play".
TL;DR: What's the best way to determine if it's worth putting money into diagnosing and fixing this engine? Compression check? Coolant system pressure check? Where would you start troubleshooting?
Picking it up on a trailer tonight and going to dig into it. Based on the partial gallon of gold GM coolant in the trunk, I'm guessing maintenance was pretty bad. I need to determine if it's worth putting money into this this engine (new EGR cooler, timing belt, water pump, extensive coolant flush, double oil change, etc.) or put a used motor in. Used motor would probably still get the timing belt changed, coolant flush, oil change, etc. I suppose. I've got $300 into the entire purchase so far so have some room to "play".
TL;DR: What's the best way to determine if it's worth putting money into diagnosing and fixing this engine? Compression check? Coolant system pressure check? Where would you start troubleshooting?
Last edited: