Date:         Fri, 12 Dec 1997 18:36:56 -0400
Reply-To:     Scott Chen <mac.chen@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.sdsc.edu>
From:         Scott Chen <mac.chen@IX.NETCOM.COM>
Subject:      Groovey Pulley (long)
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

What I thought would be an easy fix has turned into a nightmare...While
searching for a replacement engine last year for my '84 westy, I came
across someone who ran a VW/Audi repair shop who had bought several VW
engines at an auction.  The story goes that these engines were pulled from
the line and used as static displays at an automotive school, and this
school eventually sold the engines for auction.  Anyway, the Vanagon 1.9
was new, not rebuilt, and complete from exhaust to clutch, from oil pan to
intake manifold, including an alternator and starter.  The shop was
reputable, I talked to customers who had bought the other engines, and the
price was a steal, and so it was installed.  It's been running great with
the exception that I noticed the crank pulley was a little off kilter, and
it eventually got to the point where it was throwing the belt.  The theory
goes that it was possibly bent during handling and/or installation and got
progressivley worse.  I went to VW to get a new pulley, they all scratched
their heads and said they'd never seen a single belt pulley...luckily, the
part number is stamped right on it.  They said it was on back order, could
be a week, could be a month. Thanks.   Ron confirmed that VW didn't have
any in sight and it would probably be awhile.  Kyle basically said the
same.   After several phone calls, all met with "are you sure it's single
groove?" I decided to use a double groove which I've been told will fit
fine.  Someone mentioned the single groove pulleys were used on European
spec engines. Based on the origination of the engine this may be a
possibility.  If so, are there any other differences?   I'm only running an
alternator and water pump and they're both in line so I don't know why a
double groove would be needed.  So-can someone with a 1.9 Westy with no A/C
or power steering peek and let me know how many grooves are on your crank
pulley?  I though this was a no-brainer, the single groove pulley is
clearly shown on Bentley 13.33.  A double isn't even mentioned! Were they
for vans with A/C and no power steering?   I know they exist because there
was a double groove on the engine I replaced. Anyway, thanks in advance.  I
certainly don't want this to turn into another "is your engine cover metal
or fiberglass?" debate, but based on the reception I got when asking about
a single groove pulley, I certainly am curious.

Scott
'84 westy