Date: Fri, 4 Mar 2011 14:10:34 -0500
Reply-To: A PETER MARSH <apetermarsh@MAC.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: A PETER MARSH <apetermarsh@MAC.COM>
Subject: Re: Voc-Tech was Re: New evaporator?
In-Reply-To: <4d713485.0d7bdc0a.4917.3fe4@mx.google.com>
Content-type: text/plain; CHARSET=US-ASCII
Thanks for asking.
Do I have a story for you.
A VW tech took everything off the shattered lifter engine and almost took it out - but he didn't. All the "bits" were left in places the tech knew he could instantly put his hands on - and affix it to the replacement engine - easy right? Wrong.
After he bailed (unfair really - he moved) I didn't have anyone to assist so I was extremely lucky to fall into VoTech here in Naples. A couple of very stalwart good looking students arrives at the appointed time and we gathered all the "bits". Took the van on a flat bed to the College and started the removal first. This was a no brainer really but I wasn't there all the time. So now other "bits" get put here there and everywhere (cue song) and while the students are awesome - some "bit" storage system for future use needs addressing as we had a Dickens of a time finding certain "bits" when we came to rebuilding..
Eventually all the "bits" I shot-blasted and painted are replaced on the replacement engine and new sensors, water pump, blah blah blah - (need I go on?) - are also replaced.
The engine is in the Van - the new 34/40 synthetic oil is in, the engine still needs the cooling system to be completely re-connected - BUT SHE RUNS! Smoothly, with no exhaust - the cat is on - and fires immediately the key is turned.
The student who did most of the work is a pleasant young man, 24 years old and "plays" on the drag strip with those big monsters - but he just LOVES old VW's! Go figure. Now need to get new tires, new vacuum diaphragm for cruise, dryer for AC, new bearings on the front end along with new rotors and pads - and mechanically - she might be OK.
Then she goes in for the big re-paint job, new window rubbers, new carpet, wooden floor, HD bluetooth radio, blah again - the list is endless.
BUT
SHE RUNS.
Thank you to all who contributed to my worry-some questions. You are a GREAT TEAM.
Regards to all.
Peter Marsh
Naples
On Mar 4, 2011, at 1:50 PM, David Beierl wrote:
> At 09:06 PM 3/1/2011, A PETER MARSH wrote:
>> FYI the "new" engine is rebuilt and installed in the Vanagon. If you hear a loud bang sometime Wednesday it will be head exploding after firing the "new" engine up and discovering a crank sticking out of the side of the case! Keep your fingers crossed.
>
> Peter, how did it go with the school? Have you a story for us?
>
> Yours,
> David
