I have a 300 tt and it looks like the engine has a water leak into the cylinders.

Also just noticed a clattering noise from the bottom front sounds like a starter motor in mesh, the tappets have suddenly gone noisy , so I was wondering what options are open. second point, the lack of good mechanics in the North to do work on the car.

Any ideas most welcome.

 

Cheers.

Exchange engine will go wrong too, its 19 odd years old remember, rebuild all the way fella. Use a known Zed person even if you have to travel, leave the car there for three months then pick it back up. Will pay for itself in the long run if your planning on keeping the car

Sell your car and buy mine. Fully rebuilt engine. More goodies than you can shake a stick at :).

 

A full engine rebuild with forged pistons, new injectors and turbo's, clutch, flywheel etc will cost you £4k - £5.

 

For 3k more you can get a whole new leather interior and boot build, a wings west / stillen body kit. a few grans worth of bling under the bonnet and a nice boot install, not forgetting suspension & brake upgrades :). Sounds so nice I sometimes wonder why I'm selling.

 

But getting back on topic as Nick says It's best to rebuild you existin engine than to swap it with a known good one. This way you can find any potential problems while you are rebuilding it. A replacement engine may be cheaper but you don't know what you are getting. And could end up rebuilding it or replacing it again anyway which will work out much more expensive.

rebuild, rebuild, rebuild! safest way really nearly finished wests car and if your serious about keeping the car you will learn so much about how to maintain it!:dance:

 

dan.:D

Exchange engine will go wrong too, its 19 odd years old remember

 

What? ......... based on that comment everyone who has a perfectly running zed who has not rebuilt their engine needs to have a rebuild now:confused:

 

Jeff TT

What? ......... based on that comment everyone who has a perfectly running zed who has not rebuilt their engine needs to have a rebuild now:confused:

 

Jeff TT

 

:headvswal

 

Where did I say rebuild???? I said WILL GO WRONG!!!!! Which they ALL will! End of story.

 

Which would you rather have, a 19 year old engine thats had its arse ragged off (And dont say they haven't cos who buys a 300bhp car not to cane it now and then) or a freshly built one? Its a no brainer, if you have the money, get a rebuild. :headvswal

What? ......... based on that comment everyone who has a perfectly running zed who has not rebuilt their engine needs to have a rebuild now:confused:

 

Jeff TT

 

 

i think what they mean is that an exchange engine is only as good as its previous owners servicing & maintanence work! & the honesty of who u buy the engine from, owners engines may still go wrong but less likely if well serviced & maintained,

 

also the old saying (better the devil you know) goes along way in this dillema you're in!

 

as dannzx said we have just rebuilt my engine & it was scary:eek: at first but now we wouldnt think twice about it!

 

exchange engine could blow a head gasket as soon as u drive it up the road just like yours has! so rebuild & be safe! imho.

 

good luck

Exchange engine will go wrong too, its 19 odd years old remember, rebuild all the way fella. Use a known Zed person even if you have to travel, leave the car there for three months then pick it back up. Will pay for itself in the long run if your planning on keeping the car

 

 

not always that simple unfortunately , zed specialists are few and far between ,meaning mine has been away for nearly a year now and is still not started , its now run out of tax and mot and ive had to sorn it , its not at the garage so cant be moved there on the road legaly with out being trailored ...joys of rebuilding eh !!

What? ......... based on that comment everyone who has a perfectly running zed who has not rebuilt their engine needs to have a rebuild now:confused:

 

Jeff TT

 

I couldnt afford a Rebuild so got a low mileage used engine from Jeff and it has been faultless!Only had it a few months but i remain optimistic it will be fine for many many years to come :D

Originally Posted by takemetothepub: Where did I say rebuild????

 

Exchange engine will go wrong too, its 19 odd years old remember, rebuild all the way fella.

 

In between the word remember and the word all.

 

Jeff TT

In between the word remember and the word all.

 

Jeff TT

 

mmmm. saying the rebuild option is the way to go out of the two, not that all engines need one, :headvswal

In between the word remember and the word all.

 

Jeff TT

 

Let me reword it so simpletons can understand what im saying. Jeff, this means you. Just so its nice and clear.....

 

An exchange engine will go wrong too, its 19 odd years old and without stripping it down wont know the full condition of it.

 

As such if I were to chose between an exchange engine or a rebuild, the rebuild is the way I would recommend.

 

Make sure you use a known Zed person even if you have to travel, leave the car there for three months then pick it back up.

 

A rebuild will pay for itself in the long run if your planning on keeping the car as your less likely to run into major problems as quick as an engine with all parts still 19 years old.

 

Does that make it a little clearer? I apologise for not remembering not everyone can understand normal writings and I should spell everything out exactly for some.

Let me reword it so simpletons can understand what im saying. Jeff, this means you. Just so its nice and clear.....

 

An exchange engine will go wrong too, its 19 odd years old and without stripping it down wont know the full condition of it.

 

As such if I were to chose between an exchange engine or a rebuild, the rebuild is the way I would recommend.

 

Make sure you use a known Zed person even if you have to travel, leave the car there for three months then pick it back up.

 

A rebuild will pay for itself in the long run if your planning on keeping the car as your less likely to run into major problems as quick as an engine with all parts still 19 years old.

 

Does that make it a little clearer? I apologise for not remembering not everyone can understand normal writings and I should spell everything out exactly for some.

 

So what you're trying to say is :)

 

As Nick says It's best to rebuild you existing engine than to swap it with a known good one. This way you can find any potential problems while you are rebuilding it. A replacement engine may be cheaper but you don't know what you are getting. And could end up rebuilding it or replacing it again anyway which will work out much more expensive.

So what you're trying to say is :)

 

:rofl: :tongue:

 

That will be the one!

Let me reword it so simpletons can understand what im saying. Jeff, this means you. QUOTE]

 

:shock: Oh and I thought you an me were such good friends :cry:

 

Seriously though you do some valid points about rebuilt engines with a long term view but the exact same applies to a rebuilt engine than does a replacement one and thats the trust you place with the supllier or rebuilder.

 

I have witnessed many failed engines that have so called rebuilds, there has been some well documented failed rebuilds of members zeds here, and most of those done by one particular Zed specialist who made a lot of owners very unhappy some years ago.

 

Its all about the quality of the merchandise and of course the realistic budget of the owner.

 

Always worth remembering when a standard rebuild is done many of the "19 year " old parts get reused, injectors, starter, alternator, exhaust headers / O2 sensors, air flow meter, etc, etc all things that can still fail after a rebuild of the main engine.

 

 

Jeff TT

Sorry Jeff I'm having a shity day today, I'm being even more of an arse than normal. :duffer:

A Engine rebuild would be better than an 2nd hand engine replacement....but you have the weigh up the cost difference ofcourse.

 

You could have 2 or 3 engine replacment jobs done for the cost of an engine rebuild job. Something to bear in mind.

 

Ofcourse if your goal is a serious power hike, then rebuild is the only route to take, with Forged internals.

Edited January 8, 200916 yr by Yowser

Legrath has got it pretty much right IMO.

 

Option 1) For example Zedworld, 1.5K all in gets you a fully tested engine which is then fully serviced including cam belt etc, fitted and set up, all done in a day or 2, so no down time and comes with a warranty.

Could last for years and maybe not and adds no real value to the car.

Option 2) Find someone who you can trust to do the rebuild, at present i'd only trust the likes of Jimmer. 1.5K will only cover the labour costs if your lucky, then theres the cost of parts and the down time could be weeks.

Once fitted it needs set up correctly and finally it adds very litle value to the car BUT, can be the basis of upgrading the power in the future, if thats the end goal too.

So all it comes down to what the guy is looking for in the next couple years of possible ownership as to the best option, some will be a simple drive in and drive out warrantied engine and some will be the rebuild option. ;)

smithy

If a Rebuild is the way you decide to go, I can recommend JIMMER as a very good, competent, professional and cost effective Zed engine rebuild specialist.

Legrath has got it pretty much right IMO.

 

Option 1) For example Zedworld, 1.5K all in gets you a fully tested engine which is then fully serviced including cam belt etc, fitted and set up, all done in a day or 2, so no down time and comes with a warranty.

Could last for years and maybe not and adds no real value to the car.

Option 2) Find someone who you can trust to do the rebuild, at present i'd only trust the likes of Jimmer. 1.5K will only cover the labour costs if your lucky, then theres the cost of parts and the down time could be weeks.

Once fitted it needs set up correctly and finally it adds very litle value to the car BUT, can be the basis of upgrading the power in the future, if thats the end goal too.

So all it comes down to what the guy is looking for in the next couple years of possible ownership as to the best option, some will be a simple drive in and drive out warrantied engine and some will be the rebuild option. ;)

smithy

 

 

You missed Option 3). Buy one that's aleady been modified / upgraded :)

You missed Option 3). Buy one that's aleady been modified / upgraded :)

 

Dohh, soz Stu having a bad day :p

Yeah option 3 is good too, bin the old Zed and get a nice well modded new powerful one ;)

smithy

Sorry Jeff I'm having a shity day today, I'm being even more of an arse than normal. :duffer:

 

No worries we all have them :D

 

 

By Legrath: Of course if your goal is a serious power hike, then rebuild is the only route to take, with Forged internals.

 

Totally agree.

 

Jeff TT :D

You missed Option 3). Buy one that's aleady been modified / upgraded :)

 

caribzx been dreaming about your car he loves it! (send him pics to nudge im!:rofl:)

 

dan.:D

Lots of good constructive advice in there but one problem is which ever route we go down there are no guarantees that the work done will last. This particular car will have a quiet life , no racing etc. Problem is finding someone reputable and reliable in the country to do the work.

 

Thanks everybody

Lots of good constructive advice in there but one problem is which ever route we go down there are no guarantees that the work done will last. This particular car will have a quiet life , no racing etc. Problem is finding someone reputable and reliable in the country to do the work.

 

Thanks everybody

 

For a Reputable Zed Engine rebuilder, I recommend Jimmer, he has rebuild numerous Zed Engines, uses New parts and will set the engine up to your specifications. I dont know of anyone that has had a problem with an engine rebuilt by JIMMER. send Jimmer a PM.

HTH.

Jimmer is one of the few people I'd trust to do work on my Z. :bow: