[s-cars] Engine Rebuild Questions

[Djdawson2 at aol.com]

In a message dated 4/28/2005 11:01:52 AM Mountain Standard Time,  
keith.maddock at gmail.com writes:

1) Think  it's worth buying new valves, or are these 300k mile parts? 
Cost here is  $365.  Not thinking it's much labor savings since valve
guides are  being replaced.
 
No, not unless the stems are heavily worn.



2) I'm getting quoted $360 for the main bearing set alone, is  that 
reasonable??
 
No, way high.



3) about $500 total, parts+labor to remove, re-ring,  re-install
pistons...worth it?
 
An "in frame" rebuild minus the hone?  Wouldn't be my first  choice.  I would 
suggest you either simply replace the rod bearings and  recondition the head 
(assuming there wasn't any crank journal damage), or pull  it all and do it 
right.  I would not replace the rings without honing the  cylinders... you could 
end up with worse than you have now.  I would either  have it honed and 
replace the rings, or skip the hone and keep the rings you  have.
 
Personally, I would pull it, have the block checked and honed (no ball  hones 
please), and then reassemble using new parts.  I would not replace  the 
pistons, unless the block can't take the hone (too loose)... which  is uncommon on 
Audi blocks with those miles.
HTH,
Dave