Need to replace the engine after a recent cam belt failure. While the new eingine is not in the car I was going to do a full service on it to it can be as close to new as possible, along with other things around the engine bay that are now easier to get to without the engine in.

Currently on my list I have:

• Engine - currently need to source one!!
• Cam belt and tensioner
• AUX belt and tensioner
• Plugs, HT leads
• Water pump
• Oil pick up (read somewhere this can be an issue??)
• Oil pressure sensor - I had an orange flashing oil light on strat up for a few seconds, reading on here it could be due to this sensor being faulty
• Clutch
• Engine gasket kit - inlets and that will be coming off so might as wel change any gasket

And anything else I have missed?? As also owning a Clio 12 track car I know what I would change if that engine was out - things like steering rack bushes, ARB bushes etc as they are awful to get to when the engine is in the car. Anything similar on the Octavia that are easier to get to without an engine?

 

My friend owns a Leon Cupra T and is always mocking me for my lack of 6th gear. Is this a straight swap? As wnt the 6th gear help with motorway cruising, which I do tend to do quite a bit of.

 

Any pointers appreciated!!

 

If you had an orange lamp flashing, that will be from the level sensor rather than the pressure sensor which would flash red.

 

The 6 cog box is to aid the K04 Turbo fitment that does not spool up as quickly as a K03s.

I'd be adding thermostat and coolant temp sensor plus replace or inspect closely all breather pipes.  Check also your coil pack wiring is in good condition and the insulation is still supple.

 

Have a look at the condition of the power steering hoses running from the pump to the rack while the engine is out.

 

Oil pick up in the sump is a definite and could be why your oil light was staying on slightly longer at start up rather than a sensor issue.

 

Clean out the intercooler and pipe work, and make sure your oil feed and return for the turbo are gunk free and no blockages, or better still buy new ones.

 

As for gearbox, if you are intending to tune it further with more torque then 6 speed isn't particularly advantageous in my opinion and I understand that the 5 speed is fundamentally stronger and lighter than the 6 spd in any case.  Put a LSD in it if you can afford and you can't go wrong!  Check you have the correct gearbox for the car, EHA code - these are sort after.

Thanks for that. Since writing that list I added coolant, thermostat and temp sensor too, along with coolant pipes. 

Yes, power steering, I had epic problems with my Clio with that last summer and that was an utter killer job. 

 

I won't persue looking at a 6 speed box then. I knew there had to be a reason why it was left as a 5 speed from factory. Can't justify an LSD at the moment, plus I would rather have one for the track car first. The Skoda is meant to be the comfortable daily drive. 

Accumulate yourself a spare 5 speed box as and when funds allow, get it opened up and get rid of the chocolate rivets that hold the diff crown wheel to the diff gear carrier and replace with something like ARP bolts. If you don't and you tune it to any fair state of tune, you are playing roulette on a rivet punching it's way out of the casing with the consequent arrival of tears before bedtime.

Clutch Slave cylinder

 

Check coolant hoses and clips. If they are weak or soft in any way - replace

 

PS have you taken the head off the old engine - is the failure that bad?

Edited 13 March, 20179 yr by bigjohn
spelling

Haven't taken the head off no, car was recovered and left on the driveway. I am not in a position to start replacing valves and pistons at home, or what I should at my step dad won't help me do that! He wants it fixed asap to make room on the driveway which is fair enough. The AA man tried to turn it over and there was nothing, starter motor making a noise and the engine wasn't turning over properly and a slightly "popping" noise that didn't tally up to the starter motor turning over with no attempt to kick into life. I did wonder why he did this as if it wasn't damaged it would be now??

 

car won't be tuned up, just kept standard. Only after a remap for low down grunt and not fussed if it makes power gains. But thanks for that pointer on the gear box. 

 

All this is good, some things I didn't think of. Just want a list of things so when I get a replacement engine I know what I need to do 

Edited 14 March, 20179 yr by KitsonRis