AFN Engine Failure: What's Worth Repairing?

Hello everyone,

"My AFN engine has failed. According to the workshop (unfortunately, it's 100km away), a valve has broken or become damaged in some way and has been pushed into the piston, requiring them to use pliers to extract it. The engine itself was still running on 3 cylinders."

Mileage: 201,000 km. Estimated value if it's running: approximately 6500.

Okay, so the head will definitely be completely new, that's clear.
They're suggesting a complete engine replacement. Would it be enough to just replace that specific cylinder, along with its connecting rod and bearings, or is that not worth it? It probably makes sense, but I'm not happy about the €1500 installation cost (excluding the engine itself).

What do you think about that?
Head + Cylinder.
Replacement engine.
or discard (rejected *g*).

Sure, no problem.

Hi,

You need a new head, around €450-500 from 'E**y' friends.

Piston with everything included, and preferably with good connecting rod bearings, for around 200€.

And a workshop that is willing to install the parts you bring in, which will certainly cost extra, likely at least 500€.

It costs a minimum of 1200€ to fix the engine.

'The 'block with head' assembly starts at 1500. This gives you a completely overhauled engine. The installation should be able to be done in a workshop within a day, so it shouldn't cost more than 500. You can then sell the old engine.'

You'll need a timing belt kit anyway.

And please, don't buy anything from MKG if you care about your car.

...
You'll need a timing belt kit anyway.

And please, don't buy anything from MKG if you value your car.
Not only that...

Things from them always arrive with something wrong, so they have to be returned.
Then, for months, you engage in a lengthy correspondence regarding the reimbursement of costs. And only by including specific wording and sections of the consumer rights law, and setting a deadline, will you eventually get your money back.
So, regardless of the fact that they deliver third-rate products, it's simply maddening to try to reach a common understanding with them...
It's not just me who has had such experiences with ENT doctors.

Okay, okay, I won't buy anything from them.

Also wie es aussieht muss er wohl von dem "freundlichen" weg. Die Umbaukosten sind ja unverschämt. Für 1500 würde ich wohl einen Tauschmotor nehmen, habe aber noch nichts unter 2000,- gefunden. Wo Do they exist?

Otherwise, I might end up just having to replace the piston.
The only problem is the transportation, and I don't have my own space, so I'll rent a workshop for two days. Then, I might as well have it done at a regular repair shop.

I'll keep you updated...

Okay okay, I won't buy anything from them.

Also wie es aussieht muss er wohl von dem 'freundlichen' weg. Die Umbaukosten sind ja unverschämt. Für 1500 würde ich wohl einen Tauschmotor nehmen, habe aber noch nichts unter 2000,- gefunden. Wo Do they exist?

Otherwise, I might end up just having to replace the piston.
The only problem is the transportation, and I don't have my own space, so I'll rent a workshop for two days. Then, I might as well have it done at a regular repair shop.

I will keep you updated...

You can get a complete engine with cylinder head for 1400 on eBay.

Take a look inside...

Best regards,
Michael.

Okay, I just picked up the car with the trailer.
I initially thought about the cheaper repair option involving the cylinder head and pistons, which I could do myself. However, now I can see scratches on the cylinder wall, indicating that the piston was likely slightly warped. And on the exposed part of the piston, there's evidence that a valve has been hitting it for some time.

It hasn't consumed anything, and there's absolutely no noticeable difference compared to a healthy engine. Furthermore, another one also has similar markings, but the compression test that was previously performed was okay. It also never consumes oil. The other two are perfectly fine.
You can see it... please give me your opinion, is it junk or something you should try despite its flaws? Here's the picture:

No one can guarantee that the block and everything inside it will last forever.

For me, the decision-making process would go something like this: If the car is expected to last another 200,000 kilometers or more, then it's ready to go as is.

Given that there are still 100,000 km to go, it depends. If I can do a lot of the work myself and get away with a €500 eBay cylinder head plus small parts, I would do that first. If the connecting rod bearing was damaged, I can always replace it later when the new head is installed. If it turns out that the crankshaft is bent or there's something else serious wrong with the block, I can still replace it with another used one. In that case, I would only have to do the cylinder head work twice.

Do I have to go to the mechanic for every little issue, or can I possibly have a TDI engine installed by a reputable workshop with TDI experience?

Working hours are expensive for a workshop, making it impossible for them to afford repairs that are only partially completed. If you can do the work yourself, the cost calculation and the risk assessment look different.

Best regards,
Christian.