Date:         Sun, 12 Jan 2003 13:34:41 -0500
Reply-To:     Robert Donalds <bostneng@FCL-US.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Donalds <bostneng@FCL-US.NET>
Subject:      Re: To rebuild or not to Rebuild
Comments: cc: Michael Brenner <brenner9@yosemite.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Michael Wrote
I need opinions on whether to rebuild a recently purchased 1.9ltr waterboxer
with 86K on it. My original intent was to just install it in my 84 westy and
drive on, however I got to thinking..... I have rebuilt "normal" VW
air-cooled engines myself, and would be doing the assembly myself, and this
engine sort of reminds me of their air-cooled engine in a lot of respects.
On the air-cooled engines I've done, I usually purchase a cylinder/piston
kit, and rebuilt heads, but do not know if that is available for the
water-boxers, or if it's needed. This engine came out of a wreck. Any advise
would be appreciated.
Thanks!!!

Mike 
 The learning curve and the Small details are the things that will slow you way down on this kind of a project
Knowing what to replace and what to reuse is not always clear even with the online help of the list. You need to have some one who can or be able to measure the parts and determine what if anything you need to do with each piece. rebuilt heads are something I would not use and the fact that the gasket set is incomplete can also be a major pain. the crank case bore needs to be measured to see if it needs to be align bored. I can help you with measuring, parts and tech support as I do with all my customers
Bob 

Brad wrote
My understanding is the main bearings are either non-existent, or very
expensive if you find a set.

German 1.9 main std crank x std case have been brought into this country in fairly large numbers that is after almost 3 years of no new supplies. I have over 30 German sets in that dimension alone at $95. the 1.9 align bore bearings that I use are a still in short supply and I have had some size's of the rear main bearing made locally. The other mains are the same as the type 1 so I use those when I need to cut a case 20 or 40 over. 
I can measure and align bore your case if need and supply you with any other parts and tech support you might need 
let me know if I can help you 
Bob Donalds 
http://www.bostonengine.com