Tdi jetta motor swap

Even tho there both 1.9????? The guy that had the car before me screwed the motor up and now it's shot.

Someone installed the timing belt tensioner wrong causing it to go out screwed up the head warped the valves.

I got a 98 tdi for $250 out of a totaled car with low miles that's why I'm wondering if I can switch the motors.

In short the 98 will not work in a 2002 car. For starters you would need the ecu from the 98. Most of the electronics are not compatible not to mention the wiring harness won't be the same. Its usually best to go with a used engine no more and no less then a year older or newer depending on the year of the modal. Unfortunately the cars changed to a different base between 2001 and 2002 so they are not compatible. Fixing the old engine is not usually an issue unless the pistons are damaged as this kind of issue can some times throw a ring. Your best bet would be to buy a used or rebuilt head. if you can do the work yourself the repair should be easy. I would sell that used engine for some extra cash if you already bought it.

99-03 will interchange as long as it's the same size motor. Also check make sure the motor codes are the same will save you a lot of time Anand trouble.