Since I'll have the engine out
- deadaheadub
- I'm New!
- Location: La Puebla, NM
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Since I'll have the engine out
Since I'm pulling it to repair the sparkplug thread, I thought I'd do what I can to improve the engine. It seemed to run well before (don't know compression since that's what I was in the process of doing when I became aware of the stripped thread). So, other than rebuilding everything, what can I do that is relatively easily done, and not way too expensive to do not knowing whether it needs to be done or not? You know, the relatively cheap stuff that would be stupid not to do while it's going to be out anyway. I was going to check the push rod tubes 'cuz that could be a source of the leaks I have; as well as the front and rear seals. On the push rod tubes, do I just put on new seals, or do the tubes often get bent and I might need to have new tubes already bought and on hand in case I need to replace them?
Where's the best online place to buy things like the seals and tubes, a head gasket (I don't need the whole engine gasket/seal kit I see for sale)?
And what about different quality seals and gaskets? Which are best?
I'm asking because many of you know the intricacies and specifics of parts quality, having done it many times before, unlike me. Thanks!
Where's the best online place to buy things like the seals and tubes, a head gasket (I don't need the whole engine gasket/seal kit I see for sale)?
And what about different quality seals and gaskets? Which are best?
I'm asking because many of you know the intricacies and specifics of parts quality, having done it many times before, unlike me. Thanks!
- vwlover77
- IAC Addict!
- Location: North Canton, Ohio
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- deadaheadub
- I'm New!
- Location: La Puebla, NM
- Status: Offline
- vwlover77
- IAC Addict!
- Location: North Canton, Ohio
- Status: Offline
I hope others will chime in.....
You only need to replace the pushrod seals, not the tubes, unless they are visibly bent. It's just as easy to do that job with the engine in as out - maybe easier in if you don't have an engine stand. You do not have to remove the heads to replace them.
Other things to do while the engine is out:
- You already mentioned front and rear seals (usually, the front [flywheel end] is the big leaker)
- Replace clutch disk and pressure plate if worn, maybe machine the flywheel, if needed
- You mentioned head gasket - these engines require no gaskets at the head to cylinder mating surface, so unless you are tearing it apart to rebuild it, you need no gaskets other than valve cover gaskets (which also are easy to replace with the engine in).
- You'll be pulling a head to get the stripped spark plug hole fixed, so examine the head carefully for cracks, or signs of valve problems. Might as well pull the other head to check it too. There's a wealth of info on ratwell.com regarding this:
http://www.ratwell.com/technical/Heads.html
- While the heads are off, take a look at the cylinder walls for wear, too.
- Clean it all up and paint the tin all pretty, etc....
- Having the engine out is a great time to replace ALL fuel AND evaporative lines. Again, more info at ratwell.com:
http://www.ratwell.com/technical/FuelHoses.html
You only need to replace the pushrod seals, not the tubes, unless they are visibly bent. It's just as easy to do that job with the engine in as out - maybe easier in if you don't have an engine stand. You do not have to remove the heads to replace them.
Other things to do while the engine is out:
- You already mentioned front and rear seals (usually, the front [flywheel end] is the big leaker)
- Replace clutch disk and pressure plate if worn, maybe machine the flywheel, if needed
- You mentioned head gasket - these engines require no gaskets at the head to cylinder mating surface, so unless you are tearing it apart to rebuild it, you need no gaskets other than valve cover gaskets (which also are easy to replace with the engine in).
- You'll be pulling a head to get the stripped spark plug hole fixed, so examine the head carefully for cracks, or signs of valve problems. Might as well pull the other head to check it too. There's a wealth of info on ratwell.com regarding this:
http://www.ratwell.com/technical/Heads.html
- While the heads are off, take a look at the cylinder walls for wear, too.
- Clean it all up and paint the tin all pretty, etc....
- Having the engine out is a great time to replace ALL fuel AND evaporative lines. Again, more info at ratwell.com:
http://www.ratwell.com/technical/FuelHoses.html
Don
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78 Westy
71 Super Beetle Convertible Autostick
"When we let our compassion go, we let go of whatever claim we have to the divine." - Bruce Springsteen
---------------------------
78 Westy
71 Super Beetle Convertible Autostick
"When we let our compassion go, we let go of whatever claim we have to the divine." - Bruce Springsteen
- deadaheadub
- I'm New!
- Location: La Puebla, NM
- Status: Offline
- deadaheadub
- I'm New!
- Location: La Puebla, NM
- Status: Offline
Thanks, vwlover77. I didn't know that --stupid noob!vwlover77 wrote: - You mentioned head gasket - these engines require no gaskets at the head to cylinder mating surface, so unless you are tearing it apart to rebuild it, you need no gaskets other than valve cover gaskets (which also are easy to replace with the engine in).
Where should I look for the parts I'll need? Based on your experiences, what online shops do you all prefer?
- vwlover77
- IAC Addict!
- Location: North Canton, Ohio
- Status: Offline
For online parts, I'd recommend busdepot and germansupply....
http://www.busdepot.com
http://www.germansupply.com
http://www.busdepot.com
http://www.germansupply.com
Don
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78 Westy
71 Super Beetle Convertible Autostick
"When we let our compassion go, we let go of whatever claim we have to the divine." - Bruce Springsteen
---------------------------
78 Westy
71 Super Beetle Convertible Autostick
"When we let our compassion go, we let go of whatever claim we have to the divine." - Bruce Springsteen
- bottomend
- Hardliest Working Man In Show Business
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- IAC Addict!
- Location: Metro Detroit
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Relatively the same topic, but different slant....
Have a used engine that I will be installing. It's not in a vehicle, therefore no convienient/easy way to see how it will run when I install (can't compression check it either).
Therefore, without completely tearing the engine down, what can I visually inspect/measure that will give me a clue as to the real condition of this gem?
I'm thinking, pull the heads and check for sunk valve seats....what else??
Have a used engine that I will be installing. It's not in a vehicle, therefore no convienient/easy way to see how it will run when I install (can't compression check it either).
Therefore, without completely tearing the engine down, what can I visually inspect/measure that will give me a clue as to the real condition of this gem?
I'm thinking, pull the heads and check for sunk valve seats....what else??
1976 VW Bus aka tripod
FI ...not leaky, and not so noisy...and she runs awesome!
FI ...not leaky, and not so noisy...and she runs awesome!
hambone wrote: There are those out there with no other aim but to bunch panties. It's like arguing with a pretzel.
- vwlover77
- IAC Addict!
- Location: North Canton, Ohio
- Status: Offline
You can do a leakdown test which will give you a very good indication of the condition of the rings and valve sealing. I see that Harbor Freight has the testers for a pretty reasonable price now. You'll need an air compressor, too, but hopefully you can borrow or rent one if you don't have one.
Don
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78 Westy
71 Super Beetle Convertible Autostick
"When we let our compassion go, we let go of whatever claim we have to the divine." - Bruce Springsteen
---------------------------
78 Westy
71 Super Beetle Convertible Autostick
"When we let our compassion go, we let go of whatever claim we have to the divine." - Bruce Springsteen
-
- IAC Addict!
- Location: Metro Detroit
- Status: Offline
- vwlover77
- IAC Addict!
- Location: North Canton, Ohio
- Status: Offline
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- IAC Addict!
- Location: Metro Detroit
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- IFBwax
- IAC Addict!
- Location: PDX
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Change the fuel filler hoses both at the top by your gas cap.. and also the one that goes into your tank.
http://www.partypickle.blogspot.com
Check the 2nd or 3rd post on my blog.
http://www.partypickle.blogspot.com
Check the 2nd or 3rd post on my blog.
The best navigators aren't sure where they're going until they get there. And then they're still not sure.
Frank Bama
http://www.partypickle.blogspot.com
Frank Bama
http://www.partypickle.blogspot.com