> I note with interest the discussion on the lack/scarcity of main bearings
> for the VW wasserboxer.  Anyone know what the factory rebuilders do?  Do
> they not replace these when they rebuild an engine?  Or do they provide
> you with a rebuilt engine, but with old/used bearings?

I can't speak for the Factory, but I know that AVP (whose engines I sell)
has continued to use German bearings. They have been buying them for
whatever price they have to in order to maintain production, picking up one
or two sets at a time where they can find them.  So far they have been able
to get enough to meet their demand, but just barely.  Despite the
temporarily higher cost, they have not raised the price of their rebuilds.
However, I am told that at least one aftermarket rebuilder has been
substituting "no name" bearings of unknown quality, which have no track
record in terms of long-term reliability.  It comes down to the issue of
sticking with a quality rebuilder with a solid reputation. It is a safe bet
that a reputable rebuilder like AVP or Boston Engine would sooner not
rebuild the engine, than use old worn bearings or junky new ones.  However,
not every rebuilder is quite so ethical.

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215) 234-VWVW