Well, the engine is back together!  I just hope I did everything
correctly--to say the least.  Getting the wrist pins in went smoothly up to
the last #2 pin.  That was a trial.

The heads/gasket install makes me an official vanagon owner now!!  I put the
engine on its side, otherwise what a real job that must be.  In fact, after
torquing the nuts, I lowered it back onto it's bottom (I'm working on milk
crates here!) before doing the rockerarms.....well that was a mistake of
sorts and I found it easier to tip the engine back on its side, than to face
the possiblity of a push rod not seating correctly.....

Question:  I adjusted the valves as stated,, but by the second turn of the
set screw, I watch the valve spring compress with the  screw.  What's going
on here??  is this ok?? And, yes, the cylinder is at TDC.

Karl Wolz (sp?) mentioned about oil pump work without removing the main
pulley, so I eyed it, and the next thing I knew, I replaced the pump!  THe
pump puller which, I purchased for the job, looked as if it would fit under
the pulley.  So I opened the package-making it non-returnable- and of
course, it didn't fit!  THis was one of those "don't have to" jobs.... Oil
pumps are $20 and the puller was $9, not a lot of money.  But today it felt
like a lot and I was determined to get the puller to work ...  So I turned
the puller 90 deg. and got out some quarters and dimes to prop-up the puller
arms, them I cranked on the nut.....out it came.
I hope that's clear enough.

My only worries with the engine rebuild is the lint that is just about
impossible to keep out of the engine.  Precision engine work really is an
art, since everything is covered in filth, an upon opening, everything must
stay pristine.  That's a tall order, but a constant goal....
Well, I hope my endeavor is successful went I go to turn the key!
Is there anyway to prime the oil before the first crank?  I will be turning
the engine over and over by hand once the oil is put in it!

That reminds me....I have been always told 20W-50, but should I run
something different for the first couple thousand?

Keep 'em revvin'!
Brian Cochran
Carnation WA
_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com