Date:         Thu, 11 Dec 1997 11:01:06 EST
Reply-To:     barwise@TUXEDO.ENET.DEC.COM
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         barwise@TUXEDO.ENET.DEC.COM
Subject:      Re: engine swap (ignorant questions) -> EV piston slap
Comments: cc: rb@tuxedo.ENET.dec.com

Well, you don't have to believe EV "piston slap", but is is a true,
unfortunate occurance with some EV 5 cyl. motors, including mine.
Afterall, they're not the *exact* same engine as used in the cars anyway,
though they are very similar.  There are many variations of I-5 engines
in use.  I only know of piston slap in the EV variation.

I examined my 5 cyl. EV engine with its head off.   I could actually wiggle
2 of the pistons in the block so you could hear them hit the side of the cyl.
wall, and the bores had been worn out-of-round.

However, saying all that, the I-5 in genreal is a GREAT engine.  I have one
in my VW Quantum (162K) and it's a quiet as the day I bought it 10 years ago.
I would buy a low mileage 89-91 Audi 100 in a minute, mainly because of the
I-5.  I am well aware of the sticking lifter and cracked exhaust manifold
problems that affect I-5s in some Audi and VW cars.  But piston slap sounds
different.  It is a deeper rattle eminating from the block.

rob
--------------------------------------------

<< What about the 5-cylinder motors in the South African T3's? These
 aren't the same as the dreaded, piston-slapping 5-cylinder motors as
 in the early Eurovans, are they?
  >>

yes, they are all Audi 5 bangers.
i think the "piston slap" thing is all HYPE  yes.. HYPE
I drive an '84 Audi 5000s Turbo daily with 150k miles, and aside from a little
lifter tap before it warms up (and it's done this since it was new - lifter
tap is a charachteristic of the Audi 5 banger) i dont notice ANYTHING, and
I've never even had the valve cover off...
the audi 5 is one helluva bulletproof engine...wish i could say the same for
the waterboxer...  I've never even HEARD of a audi 5 motor going bad...
if the boxer goes in my vgon, im putting in a 5cyl turbo...

chris