In a message dated 2/10/2011 9:27:05 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,
inua@charter.net writes:

From what I remember - the real issue was  about the stretch bolts used on
the rod ends in the original 2.1L WBX engines.  In time, they allowed the
rod end bearing to loosen, resulting in oil  pressure loss and a resulting
seizing of the rod on the crank, breaking the  rod and throwing the broken rod
through the case. Replacing the bolts with the  1.9L rod bolts at overhaul
resolves the problem. That's just what I recall  from various readings. I got
the impression from Dennis' comment there may be  something more that is
involved. Just  dunno.

John

hey John  the thing I have never understood was why did VW go back to  the
beetle size rods and bearings with the WBX engines,  why didn't they  keep
the bigger type4 rods and bearings?? later  mark  d