Todd,

I can't resist commenting on this.  There is no answer to your
question.  Put some numbers in a hat, the one you pull out is as good as
anything.

Engines are much better made today, but along with better materials and
lubricants it is the precision with which the components are made and
assembled that really adds up to longevity.  This is where the Japanese
and Europeans have it all over the American manufacturers.  Mercedes,
Saab (pre GM), and Volvo (pre Ford) engines typically go 300,000 miles
with proper care.  The precision (fit tolerance) and engineering (over
design, materials) that goes into these engines comes at a cost, and for
the mid level market VW/Audi does a very respectable job.

The principle of precision giving longevity can be explained simply by
understanding that components that slide by each other at close
tolerance with a film of lubricant between them will last longer than
components that "hit" each other across a high tolerance gap, no matter
how much lubricant there is.

If you by this high mileage unit get a good price and start saving for a
new or used engine, you will need one at some point in the not too
distant future!

Todd Kaderabek wrote:
>
> Let me ask this a different way: factoring in replacement of the serpentine
> belt and the timing belt, how much life is left on a 2.5 liter 5 cylinder
> with 196,000 miles on it, presuming the claim of 130 psi in all 5 holes is
> accurate?  Any guesses?
>
> TJK
> --
> Todd J. Kaderabek, Director of Production
> Lark Books, Fiberarts Magazine, Folkwear Patterns
> 50 College Street
> Asheville, NC   28801
> Phone: (828) 253-0467, X 331
> Fax: (828) 253-7952
> todd@larkbooks.com

--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext. 8208

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