Date:         Wed, 2 Jun 2010 22:55:56 -0400
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 2.1L engine failure - Update #2
Comments: To: "Jack R." <jack007@COMCAST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <000901cb0261$09dfb450$1d9f1cf0$@net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

The bell housing could have been cracked or the mounting bolts loose and the
resulting miss-alignment caused the flex plate to fail. I doubt the flex
plate cracked the trans housing. As that trans housing is really not good as
a core, a replacement transaxle (rebuilt, overhauled, whatever,) new flex
plate and a rebuilt torque converter for $3k is not a bad deal from a shop.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jack R.
Sent: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 10:37 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: 2.1L engine failure - Update #2

The mechanic pulled apart the motor / trans on our friends 90 Westy 2.1,
discovered that the "flex plate"/ Fly wheel
blew up!  Basically ruptured and caused everything to stop abruptly... auto
trans bell-housing
cracked in 5 places, and needs a new Flex Plate. (anyone have a source for
this?).

Motor still turns, haven't tried to start it.

They are quoting big bucks to change auto trans or weld bell housing, if
trans is OK.

What could have caused the flex plate to break-up?

Any suggestions on a course of action?

Thanks,

Jack R.
Friends 90 Westy in Grand Ledge MI.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Jack R.
Sent: Tuesday, May 25, 2010 1:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: 2.1L engine failure - Update

Initial findings look like the trans / flywheel were also impacted.  Hole in
side of trans.



Now, if we need to replace the long-block, and Automatic Trans in the 90
Westy, we need to think of our best options.



I'm getting the report "second hand" from our friends discussion with the
mechanic who is working on it.



Jack



From: Bruce Todd [mailto:beeceetee@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, May 24, 2010 6:48 PM
To: Jack Reynaert
Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com
Subject: Re: 2.1L engine failure?



The color of the oil might give you hint as to whether you have a
catastrophe on your hands...silver / metallic specks in the engine oil means
you have had a serious mechanical malfunction.



BT



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