Date: Sun, 12 Aug 2001 08:07:10 -0400
Reply-To: Jim Henry <jch@VNET.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Jim Henry <jch@VNET.NET>
Organization: JCH GIS
Subject: Re: Boston Bob Engine - Follow Up
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Mike,
I have followed your BB engine saga with much interest. The reality of the need
for rejuvenation is something we all face, and finding the right solution for
the vanagon's eventual engine needs is a nagging reality for all of us. Your
reports have been very helpful..
I think the comments about cam duration affecting your vacuum level have some
truth to them. I was always told you do not do cams without headers.
I have found that on my 1984 westy, I will leak oil (even blow oil) around the
front seals (pulley end) if I fill the oil level to the "full" mark. So I now
only refill with 4 quarts of oil (Castrol 20w-50) which puts it slightly above
the "fill" mark and add less than half a quart when it gets low. Interestingly
enough, the interval for adding oil is about the same, one add between changes.
(every 3000 miles) whether I add a quart or a half quart. No more spots on the
driveway, no more spots on the rear hatch after runs on the highway. There was a
pretty good thread about this phenomena on this list a few weeks (months?) ago.
Hope this helps.
Jim
Mike Finkbiner wrote:
> 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
--
Jim and Lois Henry
Durham, NC
www.jchgis.com (Jim) dull work stuff
www.foxcarving.com (Lois) really neat stuff
84 GSL-SE
85 GSL-SE (parts car)
84 Vanagon Westfalia camper
95 Oldsmobile Aurora
93 Geo Prism
87 RX7 na
jch@jchgis.com
lkhenry@vnet.net
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