SCIROCCO REGISTER FAQ

Mk2 Scirocco buying guide pt2

…back to part 1

Engines

Engines are shared with thousands of other vehicles from the VAG range, so are of good pedigree and long lasting.  The straight four 8-valve Scirocco engine can run well into 100,000 miles before a major overhaul is necessary.  Long life is made easier by regular oil and filter changes (around every 5000 miles).  Oil filters should have a non return valve -genuine VW filters always do.

GTX

Bottom ends are extremely strong and only fail in isolated cases.  The cylinder heads are similarly hard wearing but can often suffer from valve-stem oil seal failure, identified by blue tinted smoke from the exhaust.  Mk2′s until mid 1984 have solid lifter tappets which can make their presence known by become noisy and clattery, regular oil changes will help to keep them in check but adjustment or replacement is possible with the right tools.  Post mid 1984 the tappets were hydraulic.  The Cambelt should be checked every 5000 miles and replaced every 60,000 miles.  Maintenance is fairly straightforward with most service parts easily accessed.  The cylinder head and oil sump can be removed with the engine in situ.  Routine servicing should be carried out around every 6000 miles.

Check all coolant items.  The radiator should be in good shape with little damage to the fins and not leaking.  All hoses should be free of splits.  Hoses are easy to obtain and replace.  Water pumps are usually hard wearing but can fail, look for telltale crystalised coolant around the outlets and coolant weeping.  Thermostats are located at the bottom of the water pump.  Antifreeze should contain corrosion inhibitors and be used all year round, with flushing and refilling every three to five years depending on vehicle usage.

Exhaust

Up until mid 1984, exhaust manifolds are connected to a downpipe via six bolts, ensuring that replacing a downpipe is fairly straightforward.  Post mid 1984 VW decided to clamp the manifold in place with two clips, which can be a nightmare to replace without the correct tool.  Genuine VW systems are long lasting and the system itself consists of a downpipe, a middle box, an over-pipe that clears the rear axle and a rear box.  Connections, clamps and rubber hangers ensure easy replacement.  Manifolds do have a reputation for cracking but this may be exaggeration in practice.

Transmission and Drive Gear

The four and five speed rod-change gearboxes are well documented to be very hardwearing.  Synchromesh can be a tad stiff with first and second gears from cold but should be ok once the car has warmed up.  If persistent, a gearbox rebuild may be on the cards.  Sloppy gear change can be rectified by replacing the nylon bushes that are at the pivot points of the selector rods.  This is an easy DIY job.  Clutches can last beyond 70,000 miles and well into 100,000 miles.  A slipping clutch will be the most obvious sign that it needs replacing but a crunchy reverse selection may be a sign of poor clutch adjustment. › Continue reading

Tags: Bodywork, Trim & Paint, clutch, electrics, engine, Gearbox, Links to parts suppliers, Mk2, Running gear and Brakes, scirocco, suspension, Trim & Paint