Date:         Thu, 4 May 2000 08:32:09 -0400
Reply-To:     Bob Donalds <bostneng@FCL-US.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bob Donalds <bostneng@FCL-US.NET>
Organization: Boston Engine Exchange
Subject:      Re: Engine Rebuilding Questions
Comments: To: Marshall Ruskin <mruskin@PANGEA.CA>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Marshall Ruskin wrote:
>
> Hi Volks:
>
> I am interested in learning about VW engine rebuilding.
>
> It seems like the only written source is for air cooled engines. Therefore,
> I have two questions:
>
> 1.    Can I learn enough by studying an air cooled manual to do a
> watercooled 1.9 L engine?
>
> 2.    Does the UK Haynes Transporter manual discuss this, at a newbie
> level - and if so, is it sufficiently detailed?
>
> Thanks in Advance!
>
> Marshall Ruskin
> 84 Westy "Iron Igloo"
> Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
> Founding Member of "Vanagon's Anonymous"

Marshall Ruskin wrote:
>It seems like the only written source is for air cooled engines
do you mean besides the manuals like a how to book not that I know of
there is a big gap in between the manuals and the real world info needed
to do the job
for instance
1) the gasket sets are european sets and there are seals and gaskets
missing for the vans sent to the USA
2) the big end of the rods distort over time and thats hard to measure
without the proper tools and will sorten the life of the engine to
months instead of years
3) the crank specs have only been added to the latest bentley book but
they are in metric
4) the never ending lifter-valve adjustment problem will never be
corrected or spoken of in any manual
5) replacement and repair guide lines for parts
6) part numbers would be a great help
7) rebuilder tricks and tips to handle the common problems that come up
Bob
http://www.bostonengine.com