200 TDI any advice guys please ???

Hi All

I am going to look and hopefully buy a 200 TDI engine for my series 3 this weekend

I will be able to hear it running but i wont be able to drive it

What do i need to look out for or listen for ??
Any advise on what to look at eg leaks or any other things that could be wrong ???

All advise will be gratefully recieved

Many thanks chris

Make sure it revs right up - tell the seller you want to rev it to the max a couple of times and if he says OK then listen to it carefully for anything that sounds abnormal, if he says no then ask why not. Don't buy "they all do that" - dodgy sellers always say that! Check for smoke when revving (excessive amounts - there's gonna be a little bit!) and oil leaks (most have a bit but excessive.) Check the dipstick for the colour of the oil, check the log book for genuine mileage, but most important check it sounds good and smooth all the way up to high revs!

How are you fititng to the gearbox - are you transferring the lot in?

I am fitting it to the series 4 speed gearbox at the moment i have a 2.5 n/a diesel so i think i have done the nessersary bits iso it should fit with a bit of luck

The engine is coming complete with rad, intercooler, and a oil cooler.

Thanks for the info on checking the engine

many thanks

also make sure you start it from stone cold

and be wary if it's been recently cleaned

if given the opportunity take everything that's connected to it from the bay - including all hoses/pipes etc cos it's all come in handy one day (even if you never use it) - and (most people forget this) the glowplug relay and harness which is mounted on the bulkhead