New Engine for VZ Executive Wagon

[Adlikada]

My poor car has done around 220K , and it hasn't been looked after at all. I had it serviced recently, and that was the first service for a few years.

It has started doing some poor performance things, one of which I though was a fuel pump, but I changed the fuel filter and that fixed the problem for a while, but it's started coming back again.

The major problem is, I think my MAJOR oil leak is from the rear seal (or whatever it's called), I can see there seems to be a lot of oil around where the engine meets the gearbox (excuse my lack of mechanical knowledge, I have none!).

Is it cheaper/better to replace the engine with a new or reconditioned one? or have the seal replaced, and hope it fixes the oil leak.

I also have a stuttering when accelerating, even with slight acceleration issue, and because of the oil leak, the engine absolutely stinks when it's been driving for a while, as the oil has leaked all over the engine and parts.

What would people suggest? and if I do replace the engine, where would someone suggest to get it done? I'm not made of money, and I wish I knew enough to change it myself

I'm in Frankston, Melbourne. So somewhere near home would be great.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Phyco]

Firstly, were the spark plugs replaced at 120,000 as they were supposed to be? There are many possibilities as to what could be the problem especially after not having it serviced for quite a long time :O

[Adlikada]

Firstly, were the spark plugs replaced at 120,000 as they were supposed to be? There are many possibilities as to what could be the problem especially after not having it serviced for quite a long time :O

Thanks for your help. When I posted this thread, I thought could it be something like the spark plugs, or leads. I will investigate this weekend. Would you recommend changing the leads too?

It missed the 120,000 and 180,000 services. I got a minor service done at 215,000. I just regret not taking care of it whilst my GF had posession of it for about 18 months (I had a company car for a while). Grrrr.

I still have the oil leak that needs to be fixed. I need to become best friends with a mechanic. lol

[Adlikada]

How do I find out what is meant to be done at each service? i.e. 80K, 120K, 180K, etc.. As I can go through one by one, and make sure everything is up to date.. If I can save the expense of a new engine, I'd rather do that

I should get myself one of those repair manuals.. Hmm... Must go shopping this weekend.

[VZCALAIS190]

Service book should tell you what needs to be done at each service... btw alloytecs don't have leads only coilpacks. Good luck!

[CAPRILICIOUS WL]

My advice will be change the spark plugs and the oil before you do the coil packs as they are very very expensive.