Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008 15:50:41 -0400
Reply-To: B Feddish <bfeddish@NETREACH.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: B Feddish <bfeddish@NETREACH.NET>
Subject: Re: Engine Replacement or Gasket Fix?
In-Reply-To: <1C722260-B482-4C78-9EC6-3FEE21934E75@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Don't discount the $80 an hour guy because of his price. I would stick with
the guy who has done the most of these kinds of repairs. They need to have
experience in them. You doing it yourself once will give you more experience
than allot of mechanics out there.
Someone you might want to consider is this guy I found on the Samba:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=456306 . He does a
complete engine for $1,500. Of course it does not have new heads like a BB,
GW, etc. but he seems to do reasonable work for the money.
Also, if you are going to do it yourself, be sure to have an "out". That is
a cooperative mechanic that will finish the job if for some reason you get
stuck with a major issue half way through.
Bryan
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Robert Stewart
Sent: Thursday, August 21, 2008 3:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Engine Replacement or Gasket Fix?
I spoke with two of my local mechanics, the old school VW guy will do
the job but he hates doing these jobs and would not remove the engine
he says. But he wants $80 an hour and says is 12 hours, this sounds
like way to much. I asked I could assist and he flat out said no, I
would slow him down. The other guys said they would do it in about 4
days. Pull the engine out and over the course of a week would work in
between other quick jobs.
We agreed that I could take the top components, clean them, repaint
them before installation. They are $60 an hour and would bill for 11
book hours but they are no VW experts just regular mechanics who have
worked on my van over the last year.
The idea of my doing it myself is exciting and scary.
Sounds like I would spend around maybe $200 -$300 in tools?
if I have to take the engine out that scare me to think of doing it
myself. So that makes we want to just leave it in van if possible.
$120 for the gaskets.
$1,000 for the heads or decent used engine. (part of me feels it
better to just use my engine and replace the heads and gaskets)
$1120 total
Myself +$300
Total $1,420
or Mechanic does the work
$1120 parts
$1400 labor
$2,520 total
Robert
On Aug 20, 2008, at 11:10 PM, The Westy man wrote:
> Rob,
> The job is not complicated really, only takes long time. And if you
> want to paint it POR 15 also, it will take longer, but its worth it.
> You really only need the basic tools mostly. From 10 to 19 sockets
> and wrenches with box and open ends. For the sockets you would need
> extentions also. Two long ones, one very short one and one medium
> size. A set of allen wrenches, some pair of pliers, philips and
> flat screw drivers of three sizes, one big and one small adjustable
> wrench, a small hammer, etc. These are basic tools.
> Taking the engine out is best with the method I explained and sent
> pictures with. Its cheap and easy. Once it is out and dragged out
> from under the car, two guys can put it on the engine stand which
> you buy at Harbor Freight for $35.
> Taking the engine out is not difficult at all. One has to
> disconnect all kind of things. You can put labels on them, because
> by the time you would put them back, you would forget them where
> they go and what they are for. You can clean and paint anything you
> like with POR 15. You can buy head gasket separately, don't need to
> buy the whole kit, which is expensive and would not use many of the
> little things of it. Need to get a Right Stuff that you would put
> on thinly on any existing gasket and it will be same as new.
> Compressing gaskets are sold separately also. And if you need to
> change the crank seal, get one too.
> The only part of the job is critical, when you are putting the head
> on, but it is simple too, only need to do it in correct sequence and
> its time related. I'll let you know of it in time.
> The whole thing can take two weeks if you dilly-dolly and take it
> slow. But one has to be rather slow and thinking than fast and
> messing it up.
> Zoltan
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Stewart"
<robertmstewart@mac.com
> >
> To: "The Westy man" <zolo@foxinternet.net>
> Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 8:24 AM
> Subject: Re: Engine Replacement or Gasket Fix?
>
>
>> Zoltan, Honestly,
>>
>> How long does it take one novice like myself you think to do this
>> job?
>>
>> I wish there was a step by step video instruction of manual. The
>> bently sucks for beginners.
>>
>> What are the exact tools I need?
>>
>> What type of parts do I need?
>>
>> Tools do I need?
>>
>> Can't I just leave the engine in the van and park on some of the
>> metal or plastic car lifters you see at wallmart?
>>
>> The other option could be renting a lift from a local mechanic?
>> There's a guy 10 miles from that has a vw shop, he a little
>> eccentric and mostly works on the older buses, the non vanagons.
>> He did a Go Westy engine transplant 2 yrs ago so I know he knows
>> what to do, he is just slow and complains. He might let me rent
>> his lift and lend me a hand, not sure. I have to contact him. His
>> name is Bill and runs a place called Benko Motors.
>>
>> I saw you helped another list member
"http://wavanagon.googlepages.com/home
>> " - Chis and saw his site in which he did the job, I would love
>> to remove all the top components from the van, clean them and
>> paint them with por15. But I imagine that is a month long job and
>> he seemed to have a garage which I don't.
>>
>> Thanks again,
>>
>> Rob
>>
>> 347.731.7938 cell
>>
>> Are in California? If so where?
>>
>> Robert
>>
>>
>> On Aug 20, 2008, at 2:04 AM, The Westy man wrote:
>>
>>> I am 3k miles away, which does not matter much, only the time zone
>>> difference. You don't need a whole lot of tools really. I only
>>> have a fishing box for tool box, that is full of basic tools.
>>> The first thing would be to make the engine lifter.
>>> Zoltan
>>>
>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Stewart"
<robertmstewart@mac.com
>>> >
>>> To: "The Westy man" <zolo@foxinternet.net>
>>> Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 8:45 PM
>>> Subject: Re: Engine Replacement or Gasket Fix?
>>>
>>>
>>>> My problem is that my only spot is the driveway and I have no
>>>> tools. I can go get some tools though. I appreciate the offer.
>>>>
>>>> Where are you located?
>>>>
>>>> R
>>>> On Aug 19, 2008, at 11:38 PM, The Westy man wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> If you have time and space and some tools, you can do it. I
>>>>> would help you on the phone.
>>>>> Zoltan
>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Stewart"
<robertmstewart@MAC.COM
>>>>> >
>>>>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 7:41 PM
>>>>> Subject: Re: Engine Replacement or Gasket Fix?
>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>> I am in Bloomingburg NY which is just outside of Middletown NY.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> R
>>>>>> On Aug 19, 2008, at 8:38 PM, Cullen Stewart wrote:
>>>>>>
>>>>>>> Where are you in NY, NYC or upstate. I am in VT and we have an
>>>>>>> excellent mechanic near the NY border that may have a line on a
>>>>>>> solid engine. The garage is called Fast Addiction in
>>>>>>> Castleton. They
>>>>>>> are very talented and honest.
>>>>>>> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Robert Stewart"
<robertmstewart@MAC.COM
>>>>>>> >
>>>>>>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>>>>>>> Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 4:24 PM
>>>>>>> Subject: Engine Replacement or Gasket Fix?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> So I just found out that 88 Vanagon has a blown head gasket
>>>>>>>> just
>>>>>>>> between Cylinder 1 & 2 I was told by my mechanic. I nice
>>>>>>>> little chunk
>>>>>>>> is missing he says. That is where my coolant leak is coming
>>>>>>>> from he
>>>>>>>> says.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> So I just lost my job, position was extinguished. I have a
>>>>>>>> couple of
>>>>>>>> months severance and unemployment but I am on a tight budget.
>>>>>>>> I was
>>>>>>>> planning on leaving for a California cross country journey in 2
>>>>>>>> months.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> The van seems to run fine other than adding some coolant
>>>>>>>> every time
>>>>>>>> the van sits overnight. Anytime the van is not moving the
>>>>>>>> coolant
>>>>>>>> seems to be slowly dripping out.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> So what kind of costs am I looking at for the costs of
>>>>>>>> replacing a
>>>>>>>> gasket? I assume that I would have both sides done at the
>>>>>>>> same time.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> or if the cost to high, and is the same as putting in a new
>>>>>>>> engine..
>>>>>>>> who's engine under a budget?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> My mechanic told me its between $1,000 - $1,200 for the
>>>>>>>> removal &
>>>>>>>> installation of the engine. How much should this be?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Options:
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I saw this guy oin Ebay "jake4parts" - he has gotten some
>>>>>>>> all lot of
>>>>>>>> good feedback. Anyone know if this guy? His engine is only $975
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-1991-VW-Vanagon-Rebuilt-2-1L-Engine-Long
-Block_W0QQitemZ320284970269QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320284970269&_trkparms=3
9%3A1%7C65%3A1%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p4506.c0.m245
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> "1986 - 1991 VW Vanagon 2.1L Engine Rebuilt (Long Block)
>>>>>>>> Has all new
>>>>>>>> bearings, rings and valve job - This engine is completely
>>>>>>>> resealed
>>>>>>>> with all new head gaskets and crank seals... Built in our
>>>>>>>> shop,
>>>>>>>> these
>>>>>>>> engines also comes with all installation gaskets to complete
>>>>>>>> the
>>>>>>>> installations into your vanagon... Comes with flywheel or
>>>>>>>> flex plate
>>>>>>>> - Specify whether you have an automatic or stickshift...
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> This engine also fits 83-85 Vanagon waterboxers with a small
>>>>>>>> modification to the center intake manifold plenum (ask for
>>>>>>>> product
>>>>>>>> circular)... Comes with a 12mo/12,000mile warranty, technical
>>>>>>>> bulitens for start-up and break-in as well as selection of
>>>>>>>> motor oils
>>>>>>>> for long life and reliability...
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Shipping Flat Rate $190.00 to any major city trucking
>>>>>>>> terminal in the
>>>>>>>> Continental USA - For Home delivery or Liftgate truck service
>>>>>>>> add
>>>>>>>> $96.00"
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> $975 engine
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> $190 shipping
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Total $1165
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Boston Bob (Of Course)
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> 2.1 Stock Valve Upgrade
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Upgrade: $2725 + $600 core
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Plus Shipping
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Total $3325 Plus Shipping costs
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Go Westy - Their engine costs are insane so forget that.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Subi - out of my range.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> I have local wreckers that salvage the engines out of cars
>>>>>>>> that have
>>>>>>>> been in rear end collisions, they have engines from Jetta
>>>>>>>> for $500 he
>>>>>>>> could sell me but I have idea on the condition of the engine.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Anyone have any other ideas?
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> Robert
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>> NY
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>>
>>>>>> --
>>>>>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>>>>>> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.3/1612
>>>>>> - Release Date: 8/14/2008 6:03 PM
>>>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> --
>>>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>>>> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.3/1612 -
>>>> Release Date: 8/14/2008 6:03 PM
>>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> No virus found in this incoming message.
>> Checked by AVG. Version: 7.5.524 / Virus Database: 270.6.3/1612 -
>> Release Date: 8/14/2008 6:03 PM
>>
>
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