Date: Thu, 14 Sep 2000 00:28:36 -0700
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <Dhaynes57@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <Dhaynes57@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Subject: Re: Poorman's Rebuild
In-Reply-To: <39BEA947.F0B9B7C@home.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Keep in mind that if the main and rod bearings are shot, so to, the case may
also be worn. The center bearing journal does wear out just like in the type
1's. It is just not as obvious because the bearing shells are grooved in the
back so you do not see the ridge. All the factory rebuilds that I have had
apart do to someone's stupidity or neglect have had align bored cases with
oversized bearings. What a hassle getting these bearings! They also
routinely use oversized valve guides.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Stuart MacMillan
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2000 3:08 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Poorman's Rebuild
You are a wise man to rebuild this now before a rod comes through the
case, which is what happened to me when my oil pressure got a just
little lower than this. Do not even think of running it another summer,
and for now stay off the freeways and don't go over 45 mph! I'll send
you some pix of what was left of my engine if you're interested.
Suffice it to say it was not a "rebuildable core."
This engine operates near its limits pushing our heavy boxes of stuff
around, and skimping on rebuilds really isn't cost effective.
A big problem right now is that oversize main bearings are unavailable
from the aftermarket, and the VW OEM oversize sets are $250 from the
dealer. Something about Federal Mogul not bothering to make slow moving
bearings for awhile due to production problems and concentrating on fast
moving stock only. So, if the crank needs to be ground, which is highly
likely with oil pressure this low, add $250 to the cost of the rebuild.
A production rebuilder might have a crank he can use that does not
require grinding.
The rods should be resized and rebushed, and you could probably get by
with just a cylinder hone and replacing the rings if the bores and
pistons look good.
It really doesn't make sense to put heads back on that have 125,000
miles on them. You might have them rebuilt at a minimum, but new is
best. Same for the cam and lifters, I wouldn't reuse the cam unless it
checked out perfect, which is also unlikely since you replaced the
lifters. This generally causes new wear patterns that shorten the life
of the cam.
There is so much work involved and the gaskets are expensive most good
rebuilders just don't want to mess with questionable parts, and rightly
so. Nobody wants you back on their doorstep with a problem six months
down the road.
The only true "poor man's rebuild" is to put in a used engine for $500
or so and rebuild yours properly when you have the $$$. Ask the list
for any that might be available.
Good luck, and I highly recommend leaving the rebuild to a professional.
It is a tricky engine to do right, and much more complex than an in line
four. You will get a warrany for the extra cost too, which is a
valuable thing.
--
Stuart MacMillan
Seattle
'84 Vanagon Westfalia w/2.1
'65 MGB (Driven since 1969)
'74 MGB GT (Restoring)
Assisting on Restoration:
'72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
'64 MGB (Son's)
Parts cars:
'68 & '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT
