Date:         Tue, 25 Oct 2005 14:45:41 -0400
Reply-To:     ROBERT DONALDS <donalds1@VERIZON.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         ROBERT DONALDS <donalds1@VERIZON.NET>
Subject:      Re: Check rods or just top end?
Comments: To: tabe johnson <xtabe@YAHOO.COM>
Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1; reply-type=original

Redoing the topend only is not worth the time.  Do the engine over
the big ends of the rods are out of shape and need going over. Take the time
and do it right then go on with life
Bob Donalds

----- Original Message -----
From: "tabe johnson" <xtabe@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2005 12:58 PM
Subject: 2.1: Check rods or just top end?


> My old 2.1 engine sprung a leak through the head gasket at ~200,000km.
> Because of the mileage, I'm a bit concerned about the rod bearings.  I
> have
> no other reason to worry about the oil pressure.
>
> So - How doable is it to get at the rod bearings, but not break the case?
> I
> don't have any special VW tools.  If I get the rods off, how do I inspect
> them?  Or do I just ship everything to Bob Donalds & put in whatever he
> sends me back?
>
> I have a vague recollection of someone compressing piston rings using...
> zap straps?  or something equally clever.  If I pull the cylinders, what
> is the accepted way of getting the pistons back in them?
>
> Or should I just leave well enough alone, redo the heads, and get on
> with life?
>
>
> tabe johnson/87 westy
>