56K & Engine WRITTEN OFF !!!

[Poolman]

Hi All, we have a shuttle 67 plate, used mainly for high days & holidays. Have had the vechile serviced with VW main dealer since we owned it (approx. 3 years). Purchaased from VW finincae originally. Last year we noticed whilst driving to Italy, that we experinced some possible excessive oil use, seemed we had to top up a regularly, maybe once or twice over the whole trip 2 k'ish miles covered.
Mentioned this to VW when we got back, as we had the vechile serviced prior to leaving and again, on our return. VW recommend that they weigh the oil, drive X miles and re weigh! This was carried out and their verdict was that the engine used excessive oil and we needed a new endgine, cost to replace 20K !

As you can imgaine this came as a shock, considering that VW engines are able to go to the moon and back, no ?

What advise do you great people have for two worried souls :-(

 

[Lubrown]

They didn’t suggest where the oil may be going?
Seems a bit simplistic to just say it’s using oil let change the entire engine.

As for the cost, if a new (or recon) engine really is required then you don’t want the main dealer doing that. It’s not a quick job and they charge £140 an hour. An independent will be cheaper labour.

I’d get a second opinion from a different mechanic first.

 

[DXX]

What is the engine code, 4 consecutive letters found in the engine number on the V5 registration document?
Excessive oil consumption will also require replacement of the DPF which should have been included in the quote for 20K.
As @Lubrown mentioned labour is a big factor in the cost, there are some competent specialists who can do the job significantly cheaper.
There are two simple tests to be carried out before writing off the engine, in the following order;

1. Oil analysis, you could do this yourself for approx £50 or get an independent garage to do it.

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The report will provide you with the a reliable indication of the engine wear, it’s important that the data entered is accurate. You will need 1.5m of plastic hose that fits down the dipstick tube and a small syringe to attach to the tube (ebay).

2. Cylinder compression test - best done at an independent specialist garage, preferably a VW specialist with a recommendation.