200km is only 128k. Unless there is a known problem or some level of
abuse, neglect, incorrect oil, overheating, etc., the engine can still
have 50% life remaining. If the inside of the engine is clean, oil
pressure and compression good, then a gasket set can buy a number of
years. Yes, there may be a gamble here, but rebuild engines are also
gambles and most sudden engine failures are the result of outside
failures. When the radiator or a hose suddenly fails, a rebuild will
suffer as well as an old engine. Do the testing, make sure the engine is
sound, and go for the gasket set if indicated. If you really think you
need to check the rod bearings, then a proper rebuild is in order.

Dennis
228,000 miles on FUN BUS and still 40-45 psi at highway speed.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of ROBERT DONALDS
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2005 2:46 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Check rods or just top end?

Redoing the topend only is not worth the time.  Do the engine over
the big ends of the rods are out of shape and need going over. Take the
time
and do it right then go on with life
Bob Donalds

----- Original Message -----
From: "tabe johnson" <xtabe@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, October 25, 2005 12:58 PM
Subject: 2.1: Check rods or just top end?

> My old 2.1 engine sprung a leak through the head gasket at ~200,000km.
> Because of the mileage, I'm a bit concerned about the rod bearings.  I
> have
> no other reason to worry about the oil pressure.
>
> So - How doable is it to get at the rod bearings, but not break the
case?
> I
> don't have any special VW tools.  If I get the rods off, how do I
inspect
> them?  Or do I just ship everything to Bob Donalds & put in whatever
he
> sends me back?
>
> I have a vague recollection of someone compressing piston rings
using...
> zap straps?  or something equally clever.  If I pull the cylinders,
what
> is the accepted way of getting the pistons back in them?
>
> Or should I just leave well enough alone, redo the heads, and get on
> with life?
>
>
> tabe johnson/87 westy
>