Cool Greg,
if you ran an air-cooled Type IV engine not installed in a van or car, then
a wbxr should be a 'regular deal' for you.

'who's going to cheap out'  ? ...........lots of people ! .........lol.
just playing.
 I frequently find new clutches on used engines.
sounds like you're having fun.
Scott

----- Original Message -----
From: "Greg Potts" <greg@pottsfamily.ca>
To: "Scott Daniel - Turbovans" <scottdaniel@turbovans.com>
Cc: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, November 03, 2008 6:22 PM
Subject: Re: Evaluating a "Found" Engine

> 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.
>>>