Millage

Hi I going to fit a 200tdi to a 90 1989 the mileage I told was 120000. My dalima is do I just fit it or recon it? I would like some views.

Thanks andy

Have you heard the engine running?
You can do some tests if you haven't like compression etc.
Check the general condition too.
120,000 is not massive for a 200tdi and if it was maintained then probably good to go....

As above, 120K is not a massive mileage for a 200 .... provided it has been looked after ...Compression tests are a great place to start.

Assuming these are good, then i'd be more concerned about changing ancillaries like injectors, which really do need a refurb at 100K - the water pump will probably be close to knackered too....

If an engine was out.

I'd recondition it..

Wouldn't do any harm and atleast then you'd be putting a fresh engine in.

Thanks I never heard it running. Maybe I should recon it.

You can do some important tests quite easily. I lashed the engine to a pallet, glow plugs removed. Connect a battery to the starter properly and a thinner wire to the starter solenoid with a switch if you want. Battery earth to the block. Run another wire with a bulb inline from the oil pressure switch to the battery positive.
You can then check compressions by touching the wire on the solenoid or flicking the switch to throw the engine over. Watch the oil pressure bulb the same time.
Good compressions (400psi) and the bulb going out on cranking would tell you if it's worth rebuilding or sticking it straight in.
They are easy engines to recondition.

200tdi really good engine
A really good one will start with a flick of the key
A really shagged one will start with the flick of the key

Fit it and dont worry 120k is nowt

One of mine must have done 200k and the other more as its well worn and breathes like a fat old pig on a cold day, but both start with a flick of the key!

You could of course buy a cheap boroscope, rmemove the injectors and take a look at the cylinder bores, if you can see cross hatching its good to go, if its polished smooth some tlc may be required!

Might be worth changing the crank seals and timing belt. I've seen a few with worn big ends, although they ran fine. Trouble with the 200 TDI is that the ladder frame makes it an engine out job to change them.