The rod bolts in the 2.1L WBX stretch over time, resulting in the rod
end going oval with a resulting loss of oil pressure  and subsequent
putting of the rod through the block. Doesn't happen in the 1.9L
WBX....... Different rod end bolt.  That weakness in the 2.1L  WBX is
the reason you see so many siting around with a hole int he block, where
there are few of the 1.9L in the same condition. Actually, the case and
crank of the 2.1L WBX is quite strong, but that is compromised by the
rod bolt weakness.

Go to Bob Donalds website for Boston Engines on the 'Net. He has written
quite a bit about it and what he does to resolve the issue on engine
rebuilds.

Good Luck.

John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Doug in CA wrote:

>What is up with the rods in the 2.1s
>Is it as simple that they are getting pounded oval and the bearing spins, so you just need to re-size them back to factory and everything is AOK?
>
>Or are there other problems?
>
>I have a buddy with a Sun rod grinding machine and he always does my rods.
>Just wondering if there is more to tell him than what he has always done to my vw rods in the past.
>
>Thanks,
>
>Doug
>
>  ----- Original Message -----
>  From: mikapen1987
>  To: vanagon@yahoogroups.com
>  Sent: Friday, April 09, 2004 9:18 PM
>  Subject: [vanagon] Need 2.1 Waterboxer engine for '87 Westie
>
>
>  It appears that I have been struck by the "didn't recondition the
>  rods when rebuilding the engine" syndrome. About 9500 miles, and the
>  top of the block is littered with bearing and rod cap pieces. I need
>  a decent used 2.1 to get me through until I decide what to do with
>  my otherwise very clean '87 Westie. Any leads?
>
>  Mike in Colorado
>
>
>
>  To leave this list send an 'empty' message to <mailto:vanagon-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com>
>
>
>
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