Date: Tue, 25 Apr 2017 02:49:06 +0000
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Substituting 1.9 with 2.1 would that end my bad luck streak???
In-Reply-To: <522EEDDC-B597-4E6E-B9FA-569CC20EF942@icloud.com>
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Starting with the exhaust, the 2.1L uses a different rear carrier the provides much improved support for the muffler. The muffler itself was also larger for better flow and improved internals to further reduce noise. Note that most of the aftermarket mufflers now available are junk. The engine pipes are a different shape which is also needed to make room for the oil filter with the oil to water heat exchanger. The 2.1L also gets a larger throttle plate. Also, the O2 sensor is moved to the Cat from the J-pipe.
For the cooling system the 2.1L has much better flow and consistent cooling front/rear and both sides of the engine. It is also much more tolerant of air in the system and more effectively self-bleeds. All the parts will directly bolt on to the engine. The major change will be to make room for the thermostat housing being moved to the front left and needing to add the tower manifold on the right side and connect it to the Radiator pipes. If installing new coolant pipes just get the later ones and the hoses to connect to the radiator. You may need to open up the openings near the gas tank to make room for the larger diameter pipes.
The 2.1L really needs oil cooling if being used at high speeds for long time periods. Lack of thermal control is the death kneel of these engines, not the torque to yield rod bolts as many claim.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Jeff Palmer [mailto:w.jeff.palmer@icloud.com]
Sent: Monday, April 24, 2017 8:26 PM
To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: [VANAGON] Substituting 1.9 with 2.1 would that end my bad luck streak???
Hi Dennis. I had a 2.1 installed in my 85 from Boston Bob not long before he passed. I maintained the original exhaust and cooling system. Other than a new radiator two years ago nothing else has changed. Can you give me an idea what's involved with upgrading the cooling system and exhaust to a 2.1 setup?
Thanks
Jeff
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 24, 2017, at 3:47 PM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> A leaking head gasket (external) by itself is usually not reason to replace an engine. Even replacing a head may make sense if the rest is healthy. Yes going to a 2.1L is a nice upgrade but to really do it right you also should consider the cooling system and exhaust. If you plan to keep this van and even use it for trips look for a healthy-with some warranty used 2.1 or go for a rebuild. A proper install will not be cheap. Can you do it yourself? Then have someone check out the install and maybe even do the startup for you.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of T Collins
> Sent: Monday, April 24, 2017 3:10 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Substituting 1.9 with 2.1 would that end my bad luck streak???
>
> Hello List,
>
> I have been on a continuous streak of bad luck since December with my 85 tintop. A complete front end R/R was done due to the hitting a boulder with my front passenger wheel.
>
> Recently, one of the big coolant plastic pipes let go and I replaced these with the SS types. Looks like I nicked a heater hose in the process and still have to the address that.
>
> Now my passenger side head is decided to continuously weep. Something it would only do in cold weather.
>
> I'm afraid that it maybe time to do a quick and dirty substitution substitution of the 1.9 with a 2.1 (if I can find something semi local, I'm near Philly)
>
> Now to the point, what is the going market value for a good used 2.1?
>
> Thank you in advance!
> T.
