I've heard a rumour that the early Fabias used Skoda and not VW engines. Does anyone know if the early Fabias used these engines? If so, how do I spot them?

Thanks,

Matthew

Only the 1.4 MPI 8v is a Skoda derived engine

Does that apply to all the 8V 1.4 MPI engines or just the early ones?

Thanks.

MS

All the 1.4 MPI engines

I've heard a rumour that the early Fabias used Skoda and not VW engines. Does anyone know if the early Fabias used these engines? If so, how do I spot them?

Thanks,

Matthew

As already said all 1.4 8v MPI's are based on the old Skoda overhead valve pushrod 1.3, it's bored out with more modern fuel injection. It's a bit strange to drive because of the old design, has very little power but excellent torque and powerband, all 93lb/ft @ 2,500RPM as opposed to 93Ib/ft @ 4,400RPM for the VW 1.4 16v.

Suffers with head gasket problems, which got revised later on (IIRC) and it has the most unbeleivably short timing chain with no tensioner, gives it a rather unique rattle, and my garage advised they would not be able to work on it when I had one, apparantley an absolutle pig of a job to change. Cast Iron cylinder liners and the simplistic design will see it go to massive miles, Skodas fly by wire throttle deadens the throttle massivley to keep the emmisions in check (which are high). Basically it's an ancient, thirsty and environment killing unit, but it's got to have at least x10 the charachter of any modern DOHC lump, you can hear every part of it doing it's job, this is how engines used to be built

Would do better as an urban cruiser than the 16v due to the lower torque, and though the MPI gets head gasket problems, Volkswagens own 1.4 16v suffers pison ring problems (Definatley revised later on). It's sort of like a classic american car engine, just smaller and more "european". It's 68BHP but in Czech and eastern bloc it comes in even lower power outputs and does not confirm with recent EU emmisions standards, the 1.0 Fabia and some VW's used an even more scaled down version of this unit.

If I was getting a Fabia with one, id get a low mileage later model unit, full service history e.t.c. Check for mayo under the oil filler for signs of head gasket problems and also check for dirty coolant and oil level, because of the old design this sort of engine benefits from classic "tune ups", ie valve clearances e.t.c (Though I think maybe self-adjusting?)

I hope thats comprehensive enough

As already said all 1.4 8v MPI's are based on the old Skoda overhead valve pushrod 1.3, it's bored out with more modern fuel injection. It's a bit strange to drive because of the old design, has very little power but excellent torque and powerband, all 93lb/ft @ 2,500RPM as opposed to 93Ib/ft @ 4,400RPM for the VW 1.4 16v.

I actually prefer the skoda lump, lots more torque!

Suffers with head gasket problems, which got revised later on (IIRC) and it has the most unbeleivably short timing chain with no tensioner, gives it a rather unique rattle, and my garage advised they would not be able to work on it when I had one, apparantley an absolutle pig of a job to change. Cast Iron cylinder liners and the simplistic design will see it go to massive miles, Skodas fly by wire throttle deadens the throttle massivley to keep the emmisions in check (which are high). Basically it's an ancient, thirsty and environment killing unit, but it's got to have at least x10 the charachter of any modern DOHC lump, you can hear every part of it doing it's job, this is how engines used to be built

You obviously don't go to a very good garage then!!! My garage (local independant) were very happy to be working on an older engine and changed my cam chain last year no problem.

Would do better as an urban cruiser than the 16v due to the lower torque, and though the MPI gets head gasket problems, Volkswagens own 1.4 16v suffers pison ring problems (Definatley revised later on). It's sort of like a classic american car engine, just smaller and more "european". It's 68BHP but in Czech and eastern bloc it comes in even lower power outputs and does not confirm with recent EU emmisions standards, the 1.0 Fabia and some VW's used an even more scaled down version of this unit.

If I was getting a Fabia with one, id get a low mileage later model unit, full service history e.t.c. Check for mayo under the oil filler for signs of head gasket problems and also check for dirty coolant and oil level, because of the old design this sort of engine benefits from classic "tune ups", ie valve clearances e.t.c (Though I think maybe self-adjusting?)

I hope thats comprehensive enough

Agreed, you can find ridiculously cheap low mileage 1.4MPIs, I'm actually thinking about getting another one as mine has just ticked over 105,000 miles.

Martin

Thanks for all the helpful comments, very appreciated.

MS

Interesting this: I thought the 1.0 and 1.4 were the ohc engines from the Polo of that time and not the old Skoda pushrod which I agree is a rattly old thing but pulls well and is bombproof ( a friend had a succession of Favorits).