David, this is exactly what I felt. The man has been in business in
the same location in this small town for over 30 years. I asked around
and he does have a great reputation. His shop is neat, relatively
clean and all the parts are clearly organized which is more than I can
say for most mechanics I have been to.

I highly respect everyone's opinions on this list but sometime you
have to go with what the locals tell you not and not believe what the
outside appearance of a situation may dictate to your logical mind.

TIA

On Apr 8, 2009, at 2:27 PM, David Kao wrote:

> It's like a piano tuner who doesn't like a Steinway, a pianist
> who does not like Chopin, a violinist who doesn't like Stradivarius
> violins. However, one very good auto repair mechanic that people
> like to go to in my neighborhood always told people to go to the
> dealers, sell the car, get rid of the car, it's a piece of garbage,
> etc. It makes everyone wonder why he hated all the cars brought to
> him and yet could do a good job. But as far as I heard he is a good
> one. It's very unusual.
>
> Don't pass a good mechanic. Check his reputation of his work. Not
> every good mechanic is a good marketing person. He may be a good one
> who does not advertise well for himself.
>
> David
>
>
>
> --- On Tue, 4/7/09, Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
>> From: Jim Felder <jim.felder@GMAIL.COM>
>> Subject: Re: Engine Rebuild Questions
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2009, 5:48 PM
>> I'm sorry but a mechanic that doesn't like german
>> motors is like a
>> collector that doesn't like French art or a listener
>> who doesn't like
>> American music. Something is wrong with this picture.
>>
>> Keep looking.
>>
>> Jim
>>
>> On Tue, Apr 7, 2009 at 7:16 PM, aatransaxle
>> <daryl@aatransaxle.com> wrote:
>>> He dislikes them???Yet he will oblige you and do
>> one??? Call me an old
>>> nitpikcy fart, but if the guy doesn't "like
>> them", is he doing a decent job
>>> and is he familiar with the nuances of these silly
>> german motors???
>>>
>>> < In fact he said he really
>>> <dislikes working on all the German engines
>> regardless if it is VW,
>>>
>>> Daryl of AA Transaxle
>>> (425) 788-4070
>>> aatransaxle.com
>>> 86 Syncro Westy
>>> Zetec in the trunk
>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>> From: "Robert Stewart"
>> <robertmstewart@MAC.COM>
>>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>>> Sent: Tuesday, April 07, 2009 11:32 AM
>>> Subject: Re: Engine Rebuild Questions
>>>
>>>
>>>> Just got back from a meeting the rebuilder and we
>> are replacing:
>>>>
>>>> oil pressure valve
>>>> oil pressure relief piston spring
>>>> All New Lifters
>>>> New AMC Spanish Heads
>>>> Wrist Pin Bushings
>>>> Cam Shaft - Reground from Van-Cafe
>>>> Complete Gaskets Replacement of All seals
>>>> Piston Cylinder Kit - From Van Cafe - German Mahle
>>  ( does anyone
>>>> recommend the 2.2 piston kit from Vanagain or GW?)
>>>> Piston Engine Ring Set - Grant Brand
>>>> Standard Main Bearing Set
>>>> Crank Shaft bearing kit
>>>> Rod Bearings - Standard
>>>> New Temp Sensor with Lower threshold to keep the
>> engine cooler* - Van
>>>> Cafe 80 degree
>>>> New Oil Pressure Sensors
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> The rebuilder said all the other parts looked
>> good.
>>>>
>>>> Indeed he has done these before he said and he
>> realizes the
>>>> complicated nature of how torque ratio's and
>> well as the extreme
>>>> precision of the tolerances are required. In fact
>> he said he really
>>>> dislikes working on all the German engines
>> regardless if it is VW,
>>>> Mercedes or BMW. For him hey says they use way to
>> many bolts and misc.
>>>> parts to complicate the process. He told me once
>> the parts arrive he
>>>> can have it done within 3-4 days. Sound about
>> right?
>>>>
>>>> Am I missing any other crucial parts to replace?
>>>>
>>>> He said the crank, stud bolts and other key parts
>> all looked good and
>>>> said the engine seems in otherwise good shape for
>> its age.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks for assistance.
>>>>
>>>> Rob
>>>> NY
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> On Apr 6, 2009, at 1:29 PM, Robert Stewart wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> Good Monday to everyone,
>>>>>
>>>>> I have a local engine rebuilder working on my
>> 2.1 Automatic engine
>>>>> which had roughly 250,000 miles on it.
>>>>>
>>>>> He informed my heads needed to be replaced. I
>> could clearly see the
>>>>> space between the two valves having a
>> indentation bridging them and
>>>>> the surface areas were very badly pitted.
>>>>>
>>>>> I planned on purchasing a set of rebuilt heads
>> from Van-Cafe, anyone
>>>>> think this a good or bad idea?
>>>>> Anyone used them before? Have any feedback?
>>>>>
>>>>> Secondly is there anything regarding the
>> rebuild that is a must to
>>>>> replace component wise since he has it all
>> apart?
>>>>> i.e. sleeves, pistons, camshaft etc...
>>>>>
>>>>> I am awaiting a final parts list from him now
>> but want to be sure I am
>>>>> not missing anything.
>>>>>
>>>>> Before he rebuilds it he is going to be
>> cleaning all the parts in a
>>>>> special bath then glass bead blasting the non
>> sensitive parts.
>>>>>
>>>>> Also how long should a standard rebuild take?
>> i.e. 7-21 days? or is it
>>>>> something that can be done in a 40 hour work
>> week?
>>>>> What kind of price should I expect?
>>>>> He told me it would be roughly $1500 dollars.
>>>>> He said he would be check to see if the
>> camshaft needed to be reground
>>>>> and would check all valves etc. His shop only
>> does rebuilds but of
>>>>> mostly race car engines and big truck engines
>> so I trust he knows what
>>>>> he is talking about. He is not a VW guy at all
>> he just knows engines.
>>>>> I did give him the Bentley just to be safe
>> though.
>>>>>
>>>>> Any advice would be appreciated.
>>>>>
>>>>> Thanks,
>>>>>
>>>>> Robert
>>>>> NY
>>>
>
>
>