[Vwdiesel] Remember bad starting man.

[Iain Hunter]

Remember me. Iain, with the T3 1.6 TD that wouldn't run. 

Well a month later, and the problem is still not sorted. I changed the plugs, and tested they were getting hot, which they were. I checked the filter was free of water, I advanced the pump, and all number of other small checks, but still had the same problem. 
Last week I decided to have it towed around to a local garage to see if they could diagnose the fault. The mechanic said that he was sure it was the tank, as when he ran it off a Gerry can directly to the pump, it fired up OK and the fuel-line/ tank junction had rusted through to virtually nothing and it was probably sucking air. (I had to take his word for this as it was something I hadn't checked, but I have known him for a while). So he ordered a new tank, fitted it and I picked it up that night, running fine. The next day, it wouldn't start again and had exactly the same symptoms - stuttering, running lumpy and cutting out after about 30 seconds - so I got the guy back round. It was at this point that I noticed a pool of diesel underneath the pump that had not been there before. It looks like it is dripping from the cold-start spindle, and according to the mechanic, this is going to cost big-time. Now, it looks as though I might have to pay for a tank and fitting that didn't really need replacing, and the garage mechanic that I trusted seems to be losing my confidence by the second. 
According to said mechanic, a pump expert could service the pump at around £50 per hour???
I already have to replace a leaky exhaust manifold gasket and a leaky oil return pipe from the turbo, which were going to be my next jobs. This could mean having the manifold skimmed, as I think it could be warped, and if the bolts don't come from the head easily, then it could turn really nasty.
I am fairly new to diesel engines, and although I can do some jobs myself, I am beginning to think it would be cheaper to stick-in a used engine. 
Would a straight swap for a later 1.9TD or D be a viable alternative to loads of small, costly repairs? I am beginning to think a straight diesel might be better, as there is less to go wrong.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Iain.