Date:         Sat, 11 Aug 2001 16:53:01 +0000
Reply-To:     Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Finkbiner <mike_l_f@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Boston Bob Engine - Follow Up
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Volks -

Time for another follow up on my Boston Bob engine install.

For those who don't recall, I had my mechanic install a BB 2.1 l engine with
the longer duration cam and polished heads in my '87 Westfalia in April.  I
had problems with power and gas mileage, and due to a lot of help from Bob
Donalds and several people on this list, seem to have gotten through most of
them.

My 1000 mile trip around Washington last month resulted in average gas
mileage of about 18, and went as high as 19.6.

Power is reasonable, but not noticeably better than the old engine.

I am still using more oil than I like, a bit less than a qt in 1000 miles.
Cuurently I am using Castrol 20-50.  There might be a minor drip coming from
the front of the engine, but it isn't marking the driveway significantly.

At about 3000 miles on the new engine, we just had a chance to re-measure
the vacuum, fuel pressure and compression.

Fuel Pressure at idle - 34 Connected  38-39 Disconnected

Engine Vacuum at idle - 10

Compression - 1,2,3 - 135  4 - 130

Until we readjusted the valves following Bob's advice, #3 was 110 psi., so
I'm a lot happier about this now.

The fuel pressure is still too high (should be about 29), and the vacuum, I
believe, should be about 12.  Not sure what to do about that, but I don't
have any significant gripes.

It would be very interesting to swap in another fuel pressure regulator, or
invest in one of the adjustable models, but I'm reluctant to spend the money
at this point.

It is comforting to know that the compression has evened out, and I'm happy
to have all new bearings, hoses (water and fuel) and so on.

Now I just need to pull the dash and put in a new defrost fan before fall
arrives.

Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy
Moscow, Idaho

_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp