Well I've just got the landy going after nearly 6 months being car-less (helps you get fit). A gearbox swap was in order but I probably took an unwise shortcut. Despite the best advice I didn't check the alignment of the adapter plate and it's whining fairly loudly (perhaps I've just forgotten how loud it actually sounds). I've got a 200TDi sitting in the shed ready to go in her and my dilemma is this.

The 186 motor is a bit tired and I think the head gasket may be gone, (there's coolant and oil in the bellhousing) or maybe a welch plug is gone??? and I have to drive it home (1500 kms in a few weeks).

So advice wanted, should I take the plunge and replace the engine (it's a bit daunting as I've not done a whole lot of mechanicing) or risk the life of the gearbox and drive it home with a whine towing the 200Tdi behind. Really what I want to know is how long should it take an amateur to do this conversion?