Back in early 2004 my old 1600TP threw a rod. So someone on this forum offered to reco the engine using brand new internals and a cam for $1500 which includes a 2 year warranty. This engine was built in about April 2004.

Ive kept up with regular servicing but lately its been sounding rattly when idling. So far 2 people (and 1 VW workshop) have commented on this rattle suggesting that either the gunjon pin has worn or my heads have loosened. The workshop has warned me that this engine may not last long cos of this!

Now what are my rights as theres only less than 6 months warranty on the engine

How can i prove this?

Are there any tests that could show this or do i need to get the engine pulled apart at my expense?

Or should warranty cover this?

I thpught VW engines would last longer than 1.5 years

Whats should i do?

cheers
Costa...

It's possible the engine is toast, but maybe it's just tinware noise? I have the same problem with mine, sounds dreadful but its just the fan.

It's OK to ask our advise, somebody will give you the legal answer but have you asked the bloke who built the donk yet? This could work out well or you could have an argument about it. I guess if he honours the warranty you have done well. 2 years is 2 years right? Might be worth doing a compression check and maybe even drop the oil to see what condition its in.

But you are right, if it was built properly, maintained right and not flogged, it should last longer than that.
Good luck dude.

the engine builder thinks its impossible, he says all the internals are brand new so they couldnt have worn out.

He also thinks it could be the tinware loosened up.

Theres no mileage limit on the engine because the car is not a daily driver (2 - 3 days max).

I heard a compression test wont show much because under load the engine would perform normally.

He also stated that what the other workshop said is a BIG call and maybe they just want me to buy an engine off them. I said why would they make a big call up like that if there was no evidence of it.

The workshop also showed me an oil leak coming from the left head.

Is there any thing else i can do to check instead of pulling apart the engine?

Ummm well the vehicle needs to actually go back to the engine builder so he doesnt "think" anything.
Has the builder actually seen the engine?
He needs to have a close look at the engine and determine if it actually is tinware, fans or whatever else rattling and then work out a fix.
If something is rattling, then something is wrong.
The issue needs to be addressed and documented in event that the drama is serious and goes beyond the warranty period before being attended to.

Your engine builder is the first contact in event of a drama regaring the engine.

L8tr
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A comp test would show a loose head, the compression on that side would be down.
Dont worry too much about the oil leak.
If it is only rattling at idle, could be tinware. A serious bearing problem or similar would be noisy at all revs. How does it drive? Maybe checking oil pressure might be an option as well.

Hard to diagnoze from here but it could be something pretty simple (and cheap)

Gudjon pins dont wear as such but the soft bearing material inside the conrods does.
Were the rods resized and resleeved? How much new stuff is in this engine?

A comp test would show a loose head, the compression on that side would be down.
Dont worry too much about the oil leak.
If it is only rattling at idle, could be tinware. A serious bearing problem or similar would be noisy at all revs. How does it drive? Maybe checking oil pressure might be an option as well.

Hard to diagnoze from here but it could be something pretty simple (and cheap)

Gudjon pins dont wear as such but the soft bearing material inside the conrods does.
Were the rods resized and resleeved? How much new stuff is in this engine?

new stuff wears and breaks.

Send him a letter registered post outlining your concerns and ask him to make a time to look at the car.

Keep good records.

Keep the noise going until resolved.

Look up the fair trading wbesite.

Is this person a member of any professional body NRMA etc?

Costa

You have just had kads put on??

A fair bit of tin work goes on whan this happens. I imagine the shroud has been taken off an on.
Different person did this work??

What happens when the idle is upped to say 1200 revs??
What happens if the fan belt is taken off??

Still rattle??

I would take it back to them and try and settle by way of "laying it open".
I am guessing they are not a buisness so the "warranty" is as good as a hand shake between friends. Trying to "force" something is only going to involve arbitration - it isnt as though you can go to Dept of Fair Trafing or anything.
I am guessing nothing is in writing??

Rattles generally are not a worry.
Clunks and thuds are. Different sounds and different answers.

Well put, I'm guessing it's nothing serious.