1.4 16v Polo being very expensive!

DiG

DiG

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Hi, my 03 plate 1.4 16v Polo started burning oil on the motorway the other day, lost 3/4 litre in 250 miles :eek: Taken it to a VAG specialist and they want to take the head off, send it off to check for hairline fractures and look at the valves and see if they need replacing. Costings around £700 all in, just want to check they are not trying to take me for a ride! Does this sound like the right thing to be doing and a reasonable price?
Thanks
 
Caporegime
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I've seen engines for £400, not sure how much fitting will be but I can't see the whole swap costing more than £1000. Better than £700 for some diagnostics and an resolved issue.
 

DiG

DiG

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The £700 is for head off, valves replaced, head sent off and everything back on again. I thought it would be a simple job!
 
Soldato
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Exactly, you're paying for the work not the diagnosis. They may apply a good will gesture discount but I wouldnt expect much
 
Associate
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What do they suspect is the problem - a cracked head, valve stem oil seals? Must be pretty severe to be using that much oil.

I'd keep my eyes open for a VAG car breaking for parts with the same engine. If the condition of the head is good, fit it to your engine. Get yourself on a few VW forums, there may be people offering mechanical services in your area at very good rates. :)
 
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Soldato
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You should be able to get an engine supplied and fitted for less.

They sound a bit clueless to be honest (then again they are main dealers...), have they even performed a compression test on the engine? That kind of oil consumption is more likely piston/piston ring related than a head fault. Was the car smoking noticeably?
 

DiG

DiG

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They first thought HGF so I think they did a compression test, they said they would have a look at the valves once the head was off and that these engines where prone to heads cracking so it was worth checking it. If its pistons will they be able to spot that once the head is removed?

If the vavles are not replaced it would be around £500-£600 rather that £700. Which, minus the other companys fee for checking the head (£120) leaves £380-480 for head removal and refitting including the obvious new gaskets etc, does that sound overly expensive for the job?

Thanks for the advice so far, will have a google around for engines, shame because the one in the is only aroun 35 000 miles and seemed to have been really well looked after!

EDIT - oh and it was smoking, but not much, I'm used to a diesel though so...
 
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Soldato
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You can do it without removing the head, but it is rather complex - you need to use compressed air to hold the valves up IIRC. May as well take it off and do it properly.

Are you getting smoke out of the exhaust? If its mainlt on overrunn, then valve stem seals, it all the time, more likely to be piston rings. The latter is more terminal
 
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