Date:         Fri, 31 Aug 2001 09:04:20 -0500
Reply-To:     Mark & Laura Magee <marklaura@HOUSTON.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mark & Laura Magee <marklaura@HOUSTON.RR.COM>
Subject:      F/Friday: New Vanagon Engine Idea: JB Weld Block & Heads
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Volks,
I was thinking about all the Vanagon engine swap-out mania and wondered
if we shouldn't consider just casting our own blocks for listmembers
made purely of JB weld. I'm not sure of the feasibility of casting
cranks, con-rods pistons and valves of JB weld, but this could be
experimented with over time. So many volks have had such good success
repairing their damaged heads with JB Weld, I believe that a block and
heads cast of JB Weld would be the ultimate in light weight and durability.
Advantages:
1) Corrosion resistance par excellence
2) Bulk purchase would minimize cost: we could use 4 oz. tubes but would
risk developing Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
3) Light weight, lighter than aluminum
4) You can make a casting from your old WB block using possibly plaster
of paris or maybe concrete and wax paper.: or GO CRAZY and ask your
neighbor if you can borrow his Boxter's power plant for a weekend and
pirate the latest Teutonic thoughts on torque vs. HP. The kids would
really enjoy a plaster party done on a greasy motor! (I am not
advocating power plant piracy here, we would have to investigate if we
could make these JB Weld clones 'licensed' clones.)
5) Easily repaired with JB Weld!
Bonus: I think that Glock handguns are actually made of JB Weld, so
theoretically you could easily smuggle these blocks/heads through
customs or in your bags for a flight without setting off the dinger!
Those things are on on to aluminum today! I would -not- however,
advocate smuggling of these new engines. Nonetheless if there became a
serious need for them for the VW brethren, in light of world-wide
shortage of VOA H2O-boxer longblocks ................

Mark Magee                                90 Carat 73K Das Boot
Kemah TX USA                           01 Windstar (Company SpamCan)
John 14:6                                        94 Coachmen 32' Diesel
Pusher