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Subject:Evaluating a "Found" Engine
From:Greg Potts
Date:Sun, 2 Nov 2008 22:22:21 -0500

Hi Volks,

This weekend I acquired the driveline from a 1987 Westfalia, complete
from starter motor to axles, from airbox to tailpipe. The vehicle was
purported to have a mere 95,000 KM on the clock, and the engine is a
very fresh looking VW of Canada reman. And that's all I know about it.
The seller I acquired it from had not heard it run.

I expected to swap the transmission, but the engine was not really part
of the plan. Before I separate it from the transmission I will do a
compression check; I don't currently have the equipment needed to do a
leak-down test, but I might be able to borrow some.

With me driving the wolfsburg about 500 miles per week, I am thinking
that having a fresh 2.1L up my sleeve could be just the ticket. And of
course my Dad also has two 1985's that might some day need help.

So the question is this: What sort of procedure should I use to evaluate
the condition of this engine?

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
1973/74/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop
www.busesofthecorn.com
www.pottsfamily.ca