Date: Thu, 19 Mar 2015 22:57:12 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: 2.1 L WBX Overheat -1991 Carat
In-Reply-To: <CA+az7_5UG4X4_deVcOsODN+ZASQsyjd8aVAp7BdY72MMt-h7kw@mail.gmail.com>
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At some point it is becoming worthwhile to get this to someone knowledgeable. A cooling system failure is always tough on an engine and if run too long there can be damage that is not immediately evident. The Waterboxer doesn't not have head gaskets in the conventional sense. During an over heat situation the head studs can stretch enough to let the heads float off the cylinders and that will cause leakage that will burn through the seal rings between the cylinders and the heads. The studs can be destroyed by this. It is also likely that one or both heads cracked. Since the symptoms came later along with the bent push rods I bet you will need a set of heads.
As part of dealing with you need to consider that parts of the cooling system have also been compromised. The radiator or heater cores can be the next to fail along with other plastic parts and hoses.
It is possible this engine can be repaired with a set of heads and maybe rings. The head studs will need to be inspected and tested. The case also needs to be checked that it is still straight so that the cylinder deck is in line so heads can seal across the two cylinders. It may be easier to get an exchange engine. Keep in mind that most engines that got to these rebuilders have suffered fates similar to yours. Many rebuilds have welded heads, poor quality piston-cylinder sets, and the cases can be worn at the bearing journals.
Of course you can consider an upgrade. How much can you do yourself and how much are you able-willing to spend?
Some good diagnoses work needs to be done to establish the future course for this engine. You don’t want to keep putting out time and money if you're not getting a long term fix.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of John Rodgers
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2015 12:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 2.1 L WBX Overheat -1991 Carat
First - it overheated. Then came the fun. Oil leaks. Found split push rod tubes. Then discovered bent push rods. Next a loud tick or clatter that won't go away no matter what - so bad lifter perhaps the result of overheat. Now discover coolant in reservoir going down while overflow reservoir filling up - meaning a blown head gasket. What next?
At best this calls for head reseal with new gaskets and a valve job on each head. At worst, since it was overheated, a rebuild or replacement.
Are there other considerations I should make?
John
