Date:         Wed, 12 Apr 2000 08:11:59 -0700
Reply-To:     Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stuart MacMillan <stuart@COBALTGROUP.COM>
Organization: The Cobalt Group
Subject:      Re: Waterboxer longevity
Comments: To: william.fryer@WORLDNET.ATT.NET
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I second the oil pressure gauge installation.  I am finishing installing
my used 2.1 with 140,000 miles, 50,000 since the head gaskets were
replaced, and did this to have some idea of the condition of the bottom
end.  Good oil pressure is the best indicator of good bearings, and if
those rods go oval the oil pressure will drop.  I also think I read that
Bob Donalds uses the 1.9 rod bolts in his 2.1 rebuilds.

I tend to agree that the "torque to stretch" fasteners don't last as
long as conventional fasteners.  They do apply a more precise clamping
force, which is why they are used in some applications, but I wonder how
long they actually hold it.

You could also do what I'm doing, and did for years when I had a '68
Westy, and that is keep a fresh rebuilt engine waiting in the garage to
swap out!  It is a bit more expensive to do this with the WBX, but you
could at least spread out the bills buying parts a few at a time or
start a savings/investment account now.  You could get a running core
for under $500 if you advertise.
At 165k you are in "no man's land" with that engine, there is no way to
tell how much longer it will go.  It is approaching the end of its
design life, or maybe is already beyond it.  Check the oil pressure and
then decide.

Good luck!

--
Stuart MacMillan
Manager, Case Program
800-909-8244 ext. 8208
Fax: 206-269-6360

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