Date: Tue, 7 Apr 2009 10:22:49 -0400
Reply-To: Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Engine Rebuild Questions
In-Reply-To: <D022D681-B030-44C1-82C2-2E720C31ADFB@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
Robert, my typical rebuilt head rant:
If you have the cash or you think you are going to keep the van for any
length of time I would highly recommend replacing the heads with new
ones unless the old ones look awesome. Rebuilt ones are crap and I would
highly discourage using them. The original ones had problems with
pitting that the new AMC (Spanish) ones that we sell don’t seem to have.
Also the OE heads had problem areas where they like to crack around the
head nuts. The new AMC heads are thicker in this area and I have never
had one crack in this area (I have had several OE heads crack in this
area though). I use the AMC heads right off of the shelf with no
modifications. There are those out there that say they do a better job
on the heads by installing other valves, etc. I can only share that I
have installed over fifty sets of these over the years and I have never
had one single problem with them, right out of the box. I feel that
replacing the valves with other aftermarket valves is not beneficial and
should be done at the customer’s own risk. Keep the valves that the
manufacturer put in there. They are the ones that have the warranty and
they don’t want warranty claims. Just my advice on this.
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com
Robert Stewart wrote:
> Good Monday to everyone,
>
> I have a local engine rebuilder working on my 2.1 Automatic engine
> which had roughly 250,000 miles on it.
>
> He informed my heads needed to be replaced. I could clearly see the
> space between the two valves having a indentation bridging them and
> the surface areas were very badly pitted.
>
> I planned on purchasing a set of rebuilt heads from Van-Cafe, anyone
> think this a good or bad idea?
> Anyone used them before? Have any feedback?
>
> Secondly is there anything regarding the rebuild that is a must to
> replace component wise since he has it all apart?
> i.e. sleeves, pistons, camshaft etc...
>
> I am awaiting a final parts list from him now but want to be sure I am
> not missing anything.
>
> Before he rebuilds it he is going to be cleaning all the parts in a
> special bath then glass bead blasting the non sensitive parts.
>
> Also how long should a standard rebuild take? i.e. 7-21 days? or is it
> something that can be done in a 40 hour work week?
> What kind of price should I expect?
> He told me it would be roughly $1500 dollars.
> He said he would be check to see if the camshaft needed to be reground
> and would check all valves etc. His shop only does rebuilds but of
> mostly race car engines and big truck engines so I trust he knows what
> he is talking about. He is not a VW guy at all he just knows engines.
> I did give him the Bentley just to be safe though.
>
> Any advice would be appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Robert
> NY
>
| 
