Hi Scott,

The total loss cooling system; that's brilliant. I've done that with
outboard motors lots of times. It just didn't occur to me it could be
done with a WBX motor. It's certainly cheaper than sacrificing a couple
gallons of coolant.

As for the ancillary stuff... I built a bench-test rig for my 1.8L
L-jetronic type4 engine last winter, it wasn't that hard to do, and I
still have all the components. The "new-to-me" engine came complete with
all the goodies from starter to alternator to airbox to tailpipe and I
think that the garage-floor test run would also be a good opportunity to
test out those bits and pieces before the install.

I think I will do the compression test first, then separate the engine
and trans and check out the clutch. The clutch wear will probably be a
reasonable indicator of the use that this engine has seen... if the
clutch looks new, it's a fair bet that the engine has not seen much use.
I suppose that it *might* have been assembled with a used clutch, but
probable not. Who's gonna cheap out on a clutch kit after buying a $2800
reman engine?

Thanks for the input, it is definitely appreciated!

Happy Trails,

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

Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
> you can run an engine on a garage  floor just fine.
> don't need to have a radiator.
> just run a garden hose with flowing water through it.  - a 'total loss'
> cooling system that would be.
> Take out the thermostat if you want.
> There's not a lot of load on it so cooling doesn't have to be perfect,
> just adequate.
> you need a bell housing or transmission and starter of course.
> battery ...........and a fuel pump and gas can.  Some jumper cables or
> spare battery cables.
> you can just hot wire the fuel pump to run full time.
> and you'll need an ECU, wiring harness, and main relay and coil....
> sounds complicated already !
> but not really that hard, kinda fun actually.
>
> basically your choices are install it and try it like it is.
> or take off the heads and re-do those, then try it in the van.
>
> 'if' there is some serious issue like a rod knock say, or low oil
> pressure..........
> the advantage to running it like it is now, is that you can find out
> about 'bigger' things like that before doing the heads.
> Good idea to put an oil pressure gauge on it for a test run too,
> though with lowish miles low oil pressure is  not likely to be an issue.
> Scott
> www.turbovans.com
>
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Greg Potts" <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 10:33 AM
> Subject: Re: Evaluating a "Found" Engine
>
>
> Hi Roger,
>
> 95,000 KM was the alleged mileage on the donor vehicle and
> transmission, not the reman engine. This reman looks EXTREMELY fresh,
> there is no dirt on it and the rubber seals look like new, though it's
> obvious that the FI, alternator  and cooling hoses were from the
> original engine. I wonder if it would be possible to get build info on
> the engine from VW Canada?
>
> I have yet to inspect the exhaust studs or other hardware, but the
> general picture is above average for a salvage engine. I would prefer
> not to tear this down if I can help it, I don't really have the time
> or an appropriate workspace for that kind of project. I'd sooner build
> a jig with a spare radiator and fuel pump and run it on the garage
> floor. I have done that before with aircooled motors, but has anyone
> ever bothered with the WBX?
>
> Suitable subies are not at all common in this market and I have
> already decided on the V2 Zetec kit as my long term goal with this
> vehicle... Is there anyone in Southern Ontario or upstate NY looking
> for a complete low-miles VWoC remanufactured 2.1
>
> Happy Trails,
>
> Greg
>
>
> Quoting Roger Sisler <rogersisler2000@YAHOO.COM>:
>
>> 95K sounds pretty good, but I had a 1.9 with 62K that had rather advanced
>> pitting on the heads. I was getting an occasional drip from the
>> gaskets on
>> very cold mornings. A full blown gusher was not too far away.
>>
>> I suggest that you load your 2.1 up with water and look for dripping on a
>> very cold morning.
>>
>> Dripping or not, expect shot head gaskets. If you want this for a reserve
>> engine, best to do the gaskets anyway. Better yet, sell it and get a
>> Subaru
>> 2.2 and wiring stuff. Work on a conversion while your current engine is
>> expiring.
>>