No measurements of the case and bearings before assembly? At least a
trial fit? This is a lot of work to not be sure. Sudden engine stoppage
without strange noises is most likely a main bearing seized and spun in
the case. Maybe a bearing was not properly on the pin. End thrust
incorrectly set may also be problem. Maybe something simple like the
engine came loose on the transmission and the flywheel hit the bell
housing.

Sorry for the bad luck here.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Alan Cady
Sent: Wednesday, January 11, 2006 4:41 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Bad news on fresh engine rebuild

Hey anybody,       Jim Gange, My VW mechanic is beside himself!

  He started up the engine, it ran for a few minuets, It sounded good.
The fuel injection problem seemed fixed, no more rich black smoke, it
sounded really good. No gas smell in the fresh oil. The oxygen sensor
was dissconnected, as you had suggested.

  Then it quit, no big noises, just quit, it won't turn over, with the
ignition engaged there is just an ominous click.

  Jim has tried to turn over the engine by hand with the spark plugs
removed, but the motor will not budge.

  This does not look good.

  Jim seemed unsure of the "line bore" when he built the motor, he
thought there might be signs that the motor was rebuilt before. The
funny lead plug in the block etc...

  He's starting to question weather or not the main bearings were
appropriate, as original size.

  He was thinking we probably bent a rod or something?????

  He is VERY upset, he sounds like he does'nt want to touch it ever
again.

  This puts me in quite a pickel, I really wanted this thing to run, Now
I am wondering how much more I can sink into this Vanagon.

  Theres an awful lot of new parts in this project. About $1,300

  Please, if you have any ideas? I beg you, share them with us.
Thanks......

  Best regards, Al Cady, Conrad, Montana

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