Date:         Tue, 16 Jan 2001 03:40:59 -0500
Reply-To:     John <johnpatt@WARWICK.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John <johnpatt@WARWICK.NET>
Organization: PattonSystems International
Subject:      Re: vanagon Digest - 15 Jan 2001 (#2001-79)
Comments: cc: Stuart MacMillan <macmillan@HOME.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Dear List,

After reading Boston Bob's conclusions on the 2.1L connecting rod big
end distortion and Stuart's "Evangelical" spin on the importance of
replacing con rods sooner rather than later, the solution seems clear.

1) The oil pressure loss and the resulting engine destruction seems to
always be rooted in the con rod big end changing shape and is never a
crankshaft/main brg issue. So we'll leave the crank alone...........

2) From what I read it is possible to remove the con rods without
splitting the case. So at high miles do the heads(as needed), REPLACE
THE RODS, throw in a new(cheap)type one oil pump, have a good look at
the P&Cs and put it back together. This would avoid the grim 6-8,000
mile later engine destruction we keep hearing about.

3) This mini-overhaul would require the motor to be on a stand but
repairs of this type should be carried out on a stand. Once we know the
true weak link in the WBX(thanks Bob!), we need only spend our money in
the right places and the 2.1L will deliver reliable lower end
durability.

Regards,      John