In my opinion, rebuilt it while it's out. Wouldn't you be upset if you
got it in and had trouble a couple months down the road?

Make sure you're prepared to replace the heads entirely, if needed.
Also, be sure you can get all the parts you'll need. Try to come up with
a good estimate of the total cost and be sure you're willing to spend
it. If you decide to rebuild and not replace the parts that need it, you
may be worse off than where you started.

My understanding is the main bearings are either non-existant, or very
expensive if you find a set.

Good luck!

brad

Michael Brenner wrote:

>That is the question.
>
>Listerines,
>
>I need opinions on whether to rebuild a recently purchased 1.9ltr waterboxer
>with 86K on it. My original intent was to just install it in my 84 westy and
>drive on, however I got to thinking..... I have rebuilt "normal" VW
>air-cooled engines myself, and would be doing the assembly myself, and this
>engine sort of reminds me of their air-cooled engine in a lot of respects.
>On the air-cooled engines I've done, I usually purchase a cyliner/piston
>kit, and rebuilt heads, but do not know if that is available for the
>water-boxers, or if it's needed. This engine came out of a wreck. Any advise
>would be appreciated.
>Thanks!!!
>
>Mike Brenner
>
>
>