Snorkeldepth

A rough idle and stumbling acceleration to 3k led me through the checklist of possible causes to a compression check . . . . . 0 psi in #4. It must be a valve. I don't think it's worth the time and expense to do the top end with 15 years and 223k miles. I figure I'll put a remanufactured engine in. No swap for me. I'm leaning towards a Jasper. Now, the question is: Do I pay someone anywhere from $800 to $2500 to do the job or do it myself? I reviewed the procedure in the FSM and it doesn't look to bad. So, all I need is a place to do it, a few tools including an engine hoist, and a buddy to help. It's been awhile since I did a few VW engines in high school.

I'd like to hear about anyone's experience in doing the job. I read several threads of similar or related jobs.

Thanks in advance!

wimpywade94

Not that hard to do youself if your just pulling the old and puttin in the new, get someone to help you, get a good fsm, and find the number to your favorite pizza delivery and you should be set.
wade

Silver_Truck

Don't go with Jasper/Yamato I've heard bad things about their engines (they have a rebuilding plant local and I know a few people who work there that say to stay away). The swap it self really isn't that hard just think about where you're going to have the new one before it goes in and where you'll put the old one once its out. Do it yourself you'll gain a bunch of knowledge, also do headers while its out you'll thank yourself later.

YeloSub7

I had a simailar problem with a valve, and it wasn't really much to fix it..... and if u go with a complete top end rebuild you only end up spending about $500 in parts, gaskets, and also getting the heads machined for a nice fit. The only bother was the lack of soace in the engine compartment to make our jobs easier. Its like toyota did it on purpose. At least its the only thing to ever majorly go wrong... I say top end do it yourself direction.....

Snorkeldepth

Hmmm . . . . I wonder how many more miles I can get out of the bottom end if I do the heads. I'd hate to do the heads and hear rod knock next thing. Compression was amazingly right around 175 in every other cylinder . . . . I wonder??

What was the criticism on Jasper? I had previously only heard good things . . . other than they were expensive.

dragon564

I would go for rebuilding the top half of what you have.......should be just less money....check the oil for signs of fuel/gas some trace is normal but a high number could mean the rings on number 4 are causing the loss of compression.....most times it is one of the valves that has gone......and for valves I would rebuild the top half vice go for a full swap........

williemon

You will want to check injectors too.