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Subject:Re: It's Alive: 2.1 Overheat - engine swap - no spark - timing - Recap
From:Michael Sullivan
Date:Tue, 3 Nov 2009 06:37:37 -0600

Yeah, baby.  You persevered!
Michael in San Antonio
91GL AT 'Gringo'
73 Beetle

On Tue, Nov 3, 2009 at 6:15 AM, Jeff Lincoln <magikvw@gmail.com> wrote:

> Well, once again I wanted to thank everyone for their help, suggestions,
> and
> moral support through this ordeal.
>
> To recap my '90 Carat had a major cooling system failure and before I
> caught
> what was going on had overheated to the point of painful death.
>
> I found a good replacement local and with the help of a friend or two
> swapped the engine's out. It wasn't too terrible of a job but not the
> easiest thing I've done considering my current level of knowledge and the
> tools I had available.
>
> I ran into a no spark issue after I had everything all hooked up. I believe
> this was a ground issue combined with some tired brittle wiring. I replaced
> the ground strap and a few connections that broke while I was double
> checking my work. Then I had spark.
>
> Then I had a timing issue - turned out not to be as much of an issue as I
> thought. Embarrassing to admit but I will admit it so that the next noob
> can
> figure it out quicker. I had left the bolt, that tightens the distributor,
> loose - I did this so that I could easily adjust things once the motor
> started. Problem was the motor wouldn't start. The motor wouldn't start
> because I left that bolt too loose - so when I tried to start the darn
> thing
> the distributor would move around enough that it wouldn't fire up. I was
> able to figure this out with an extra set of hands and pair of eyes. It
> starts right up now - stills needs a bit of timing adjustment but runs
> rather smooth and sounds real good.
>
> So I am finally back in business :) I've missed my bus - my daily driver at
> that - I have yet to check for leaks and such - and I have some wiring to
> clean up and secure but I think the major issue are behind me.
>
> Thanks again for all your help :) There is balance int he universe once
> again!!!!!!!
>
>
>
> --
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff
> '90 Carat (Grover)
> '86 (We call this one Parts)
> '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus
>