david1701 Posted March 1, 2008 Share Posted March 1, 2008 Hi all, My series 3 (21/4 petrol) has sat for a few years with irregular use and is due to be returned to the road soon. I have bought oils and filters and new ignition electrics to replace whats there, and plan on doing a service at about a thousand miles. The engine and gearbox have both been replaced (before the 'rest') and i want to look after her. A mate said that i ought to change the cam belt as they deteriorate after sitting (I don't want the timing to go wrong) should I? and is there anything else i would need to do. She was in next to perfect condition before, what parts would die and need replacing after a little 'rest'? Cheers for help, David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 They're chain not belt, the whole elastic band nonsense didn't come in until the TDi's. What parts it needs depends very much on what condition it's in, it could be fine or a load of stuff could've seized/perished/rusted in storage. Also depends how meticulous you're wanting to be. I'd try turning the engine by hand before trying to start it, just to check it's OK and nothing's seized. At least I'd be looking at: Ignition system (plugs, leads, cap, rotor, points, condensor) All fluids including greasing everything that needs it, and replacing brake & clutch fluid as it could well be minging. Oil filter, fuel filter, air filter (or clean oil if it's an oil bath type) Drain the tank to check for crud/water that may have accumulated in the bottom, refill with a bit of Redex mixed in to clean things out. Carb could well be gummed up, they're not my thing though so beyond bunging redex in the tank and carb cleaner down the top I'm not sure what could need doing. And a new air freshener. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
james.com Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Hi all,My series 3 (21/4 petrol) has sat for a few years with irregular use and is due to be returned to the road soon. I have bought oils and filters and new ignition electrics to replace whats there, and plan on doing a service at about a thousand miles. The engine and gearbox have both been replaced (before the 'rest') and i want to look after her. A mate said that i ought to change the cam belt as they deteriorate after sitting (I don't want the timing to go wrong) should I? and is there anything else i would need to do. She was in next to perfect condition before, what parts would die and need replacing after a little 'rest'? Cheers for help, David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david1701 Posted March 2, 2008 Author Share Posted March 2, 2008 hey james, nothing to add thanks fridge that was pretty much what i was thinking. Feel a bit silly about the timing chain Cheers tho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 Feel a bit silly about the timing chain Surely it's your mate who should feel silly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
david1701 Posted March 2, 2008 Author Share Posted March 2, 2008 good point, but he drive's a puff's polo so has a puny rubber band, he had this idea of dropping it (is mk2) and i said no no no mate, give an inch or two lift, some nice grass track tyres, a roofrack for your second spare, some lights up there, and for gods sake get rid of that vw badge and get a nice green oval he werent too chuffed Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted March 2, 2008 Share Posted March 2, 2008 If the engine has been stored where it can be affected by condensation, then there's the possibility of one or more of the bores being rusty above the piston if the engine is a position where one or more of the valves are open. If you turn the engine by hand - you will feel the resistance of the piston trying to pass the rust line in the bore. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tonk Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 They're chain not belt, the whole elastic band nonsense didn't come in until the TDi's. NAD actually Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted March 3, 2008 Share Posted March 3, 2008 NAD actually NADS to you too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bean Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Is it a big to inspect/change the timing chain? How often should it be looked at? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted March 4, 2008 Share Posted March 4, 2008 Change it when it starts to make a racket. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bean Posted March 5, 2008 Share Posted March 5, 2008 Would the engine be severly damaged if it snapped? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted March 6, 2008 Share Posted March 6, 2008 I've never known one snap, but I suppose if one did - the valves would contact the pistons and the rods would just bend - the same as on TD/i engines. There's a possibility that the broken chain could bunch uo and maybe punch a hole in the timing cover, or possibly damage a sprocket. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Bean Posted March 6, 2008 Share Posted March 6, 2008 Not too bad then, at least it is repairable. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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