Old Pug 306 - got problems - sell it, fix it scrap it?

[malfunction]

I've got an old M reg 306 ('94, 1.4 XL (petrol!), 5 door, 85,000 miles)... Had it for about 2 years now and have had a fair bit of work done on it (new O/S drive shaft, new clutch, head gasket + head skim and it's had a major service this year).

The head gasket and clutch went within about 2 weeks of each other and as such I went out about 4 months ago and bought a new car as I'd had enough of the 'old banger'. Since then it hasn't been taxed or insured and has sat in front of my garage. I've run the engine once a week but the car hasn't been anywhere. It's now (smelling / looking like) it's burning off a bit of oil though the oil level isn't dropping so (in my limited knowledge) I'm suspecting the head re-conditioning / new gasket job was botched. More evidence to support this is that if I remove the filler cap while the engine is running it puffs out air - it's a noticeable pressure and in time to the engine speed... So even if it's only a seal of some sort I'd have to pay through the nose again to get it sorted (lots of labour if the head needs taking apart right?)

Anyway - any ideas of what to do. Reckon I'm going to sell it but for that I need to insure and tax it again... If I shift it quick enough the insurance isn't a problem but will I be able to get rid if it's burning oil? (It's still MOT'd until July) Other than that the car is in good condition... Looking at auto trader it would be worth about £1000 if it wasn't burning oil. Head gasket was about £350 to sort so is £700 reasonable?

[Angus]

I guess you could ebay it - just be honest with your description.

If you're thinking of scrapping it anything would be better than nothing

[Jiff Lemon]

Indeed, if the bodywork and interior are fairly tidy, then a straightforward engine swap is an appealing prospect for a would be buyer. Give em both a good cleaning before taking any pics.

[Russ]

take it in to a garage, see whats wrong with it for a start.

then engine trasnplant/fix it and flog it

[5lab]

flog it - probably worth 500

[malfunction]

Cheers for the advice / opinions folks. I guess I should at least get an idea of what's wrong (and an estimate to fix it) before I try and sell it (though as you can imagine I've had enough of this car!). Bodywork is very good (no rust at all and only one small dint) and the interior is good too (for it's age).

Jiff - what's the best way to clean up the engine / bay?

[Nox]

bin it - too many old cars on the road anyway though it may be worth replacing the head gasket yourself, its not as difficult as you would think... cleaning engines - pressure washer, just avoind the distributor and put cloth around the spark plugs to keep water out there. water and petrol engines don't get on well. just dont over do it, and it should be ok. oh avoid getting water in places it looks like it should go too, like in the air filter

Nox

[5lab]

get the engine bay steam cleaned - valletters/garages might be able to do this

[Jiff Lemon]

Steaming is the best option, however as that involves driving somewhere (and it's not insured, taxed or MOT'd) then the home method is more preferable.

This also has the advantage of not getting it too clean.... a bit of honest muck looks like your not trying TOO hard.
Get yourself a can of degreaser such a Gunk (yes, it's called that). Couple of washing up brushes from tesco to scrub the stuff in. Leave to soak and then Wash off with hot water.

Coupe of points to watch: -
If you've a nice driveway, it may be worth shoving the car onto the road. (unless you fancy cleaning the driveway after)
If you've access to a pressure washer, use that.
Covering the distributor cap/coil/plugs is not a bad idea - Food bags are usefull (as is a hot gun for displacing any trapped water!)

[Angus]

You might be able to get hold of a steam cleaner from someone you know - my Mum sometimes has one floating about which I used on my first car when I got rid of it (it had biege seats which obviously marked fairly easily).

Steam cleaners will remove virtually anything.

I think Argos or somewhere like that might sell the steam-cleaner thingys for the home; worth a look (buy the missus a pressie "to help ease the burden of housework" )

I can vouch for the Gunk stuff - use it on my bike marvellous stuff.... Hexus review anyone ?

[Jiff Lemon]

Ahhh, Argos! Forgot about them and their 14 day now quibble money back guarentee!

[Zak33]

Gunk is gooood stuff....

When steaming an engine. DONT GO MAD...just underneath and round drive shafts etc...

lets face it...its M reg.....if its too clean everone knows its had work done and wana know WHAT

[wol]

Ive got a steam cleaner if youre anywhere near NW7? Sorry didnt look.


Oh and get yourself a can of WD40 incase the dizzy does get wet, you can use it to clear the water.

A refurbed MI6 engine (iirc - or was it a GTi-6 engine?) is onyly £750 and thats including wiring loom etc

Wol

[bkjmaverick]

i dunno if anyone can help me its my first time on a forum but i got a problem with my pug 306, my idiot cousin disconnected the alarm on our 306, and now once ive reconnected the battery the imobilsers become active. the plip key doesnt work, even with new batteries and it seems the only way I can turn off the alarm is with the master switch under the bonnet behind the headlamp. only prob is, i dont have a 'dedicated key' as the manual says i need. is there any other way i can fix this or am i gonna have to go to a peugeot dealer and get the alarm disabled? its a 1.6 roland garros 3 door any help would really be appreciated!

[hitman67]

French... GET RID OF, NOW!

Honestly, my Grandparents have a 206 and it's had more problems than all 3 of my Audi's put together, that's in 18 Months!

[Rave]

Yeah, REALLY helpful advice there Hitman. Come on, you should know better.