Life with a 1989 VW Golf Mk2 GTI 16V: May 2015

Wednesday, 20 May 2015

Golf 16V G250XAN Update One Year On

It's now nearly 12 months since I bought my Golf GTI 16V registration G250XAN so it seems like time for an update one year on.

The car came in fairly good working order but with a few MOT advisories and interior that needed some work.

So I've replaced the driver's seat, fixed all the advisories and more, had GTI racing specialist setup the KJet injection and most recently fitted refurbished BBS alloys to the car with new Dunlop BluResponse tyres.

Interior shot showing new seats

With the new BBS alloys

With original Montreal Bottle top alloys

G250XAN in 2015

Tuesday, 12 May 2015

Dunlop BluResponse Tyres Review 195/50R15

I needed to get a full set of new tyres for the BBS alloys that I've bought for my MK2 Golf GTI 16V.

The best value branded tyres seemed to be Dunlop BluResponse in size 195/50R15 which I managed to find for the all-in price of £50 per wheel. That included fitting, valve and balancing but the garage didnt need to remove wheels from car or dispose of old tyres as the rims were bare.

Dunlop BluResponse Tyres Review 195/50R15

The tyres fill the arches perfectly and the BBS alloys really set off the look of the car compared to the original bottle top alloy wheels.

Monday, 11 May 2015

Fitting Replacement VW Golf Mk2 Radiator Mounting

When I bought my Mk2 Golf GTI 16V the radiator was held in place on one side with a cable tie. One of the jobs on my list was to replace this with the correct radiator mount VW part but despite placing an order with the local dealer they found the part had been discontinued.

VW Golf Mk2 Radiator Mount - with cable tie!

Fortunately I had the other original radiator mount still in position so I was able to use this to see how it should be attached.

VW Golf Mk2 Radiator Mount

Although the radiator mount itself was no longer available new I managed to find a refurbished one on Ebay. I also located some 1 1/4" rubber tap washers that were the perfect size to use as the cushion for the mount.

Now the correct mounts are fitted to the radiator there are no cable ties left holding parts together under the bonnet!

Saturday, 2 May 2015

VW Golf Broken Front Engine Mount Replacement

For a while I've found that there has been a jerky movement when changing gear associated a slight clunking noise at the same time. On investigation we found that the front engine mount was giving a lot of play and movement thus causing the noise when changing gear.

The engine mount is a cheap part to replace, mine cost under £20 delivered from my usual parts supplier, B&B Components and is an easy item to fit too.

VW Golf Broken Front Engine Mount Replacement

VW Golf front engine mount from above

VW Golf Front engine mount from below with 1 bolt removed

There are 3 bolts to remove in order to replace the front engine mount, 2 are underneath the engine mount and the third is on the top visible inside the engine bay.

Jack the car up to be able to access the front bolts and release them. The use a jack underneath the gearbox housing to lift the engine clear of the bolt on the top of the engine mount. Don't use the sump to jack as it can get damaged. Remove the old mount and fit the new one retightening all the bolts once done.

Once removed it was obvious what the problem was with the old mount as the top bolt had broken from the rubber surround of the mount and was leaking fluid as these mounts use water damping.