Date:         Tue, 12 Mar 2002 23:36:47 -0800
Reply-To:     Matthias Kuster <choreboy@CNMNETWORK.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matthias Kuster <choreboy@CNMNETWORK.COM>
Subject:      Re: 1.9 L waterboxer woes and eng rebuilders recommendations in
              SoCal, white boys rant
In-Reply-To:  <000001c1ca43$95a20f10$5eed0744@cx2393800a>
Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

I just popped for $2500 on a rebuilt from Fast German Auto, in Santa Ana,
CA. They said that my cyl heads were all cracked and I had too much play on
the cam and crankshafts. I left the place with a somewhat funky feeling in
my stomach, when I picked up the engine today. All the parts that I left on
the engine (distributor, clutch and pressure plate, pulley) they threw into
a box. "Well, Dude, if you're not that familiar with this car you should
have let us install these..." yada yada. Seems like these guys took the
business over from somebody else, 'cause I don't see THEM being the ones who
built up such a great reputation. Basically two average late twenties white
kids, Costa Mesa types, who don't wanna get their fingers dirty, ring up
some cash money, and when asked whether the camshaft turns twice as fast as
the crank have to go consult the vehicle specific fiche.


I don't know. Haven't installed it yet, and I'm sure that it will work fine.
It's just that with some businesses, the worst possible scenario always
applies (your engine has to be completely rebuilt, you need new heads, etc.)
and you know when you drop off the engine that that's what is gonna happen,
you don't know from talking on the phone, but you know when you talk to the
guy in person. Anyways.

Also, their web site quotes a different, lower price for a rebuild on their
web site, but I guess that hasn't been updated yet (the grime under your
fingernails you get from typing...)

If you get a rebuild, I dunno if I can recommend these guys. Too much "pay
me cash and then buzz off, no time for your geeky interest in Vanagons"
attitude...

Cheers

Matthias Kuster, L.A. CA-- (white, late twenties, and single again, yep!)
1984 WBX 1.9 Wolfy Manual






> Ok, looks like the engine in my new (to me) van is shot.  Fixed the
> weird idle problem, now it idles well, but there is a strange knock and
> the oil light is on fairly constant at idle (yes I have a OEM filter and
> have checked the connection to the sensor).  I plan to get a wet guage
> on it this weekend, but am thinking the worst (shot low end)
>
> SO.
>
> Need recommendations on courses of action.  The way I see it I can:
>
> 1.      Buy a rebuilt engine from VW or other and install myself
>
>
> 2.      Buy a rebuilt engine and have other install
>
>
> 3.      Pull the motor myself and rebuild (I have done bit of this in my
> past, mostly on british cars, when I had no money to pay someone else)
>
>
> 4.      Send to a mechanic and let them rebuild it.
>
>
>
>
> I want to keep the rig stock, so am passing on the engine conversion
> option (though would consider the 2.1 upgrade if the price was right)
>
> Any insight appreciated.  Particularly, any suggestions on mechanic here
> in San Diego county, and where to purchase a rebuilt motor would be
> greatly appreciated.
>
>
> THANKS!
>
> Philip
>

Matthias Kuster, L.A. CA--
1984 WBX 1.9 Wolfy Manual