Engine noise, I think. doesn't sound good.

I'm reliably informed that you can muddle them up and slap them back in anywhere (Laurie Pettit).

 

I have marked all pistons barrels, tappets. Valve tubes. marked everything I could think of so hopefully ok. I am apprehensive as I have never done anything like this before. My main concern is getting the timing right. I have ordered the tom wilson book which I am told is excellent for a step by step rebuild guide.
So we shall see.

 

Tom Wilson's is a good book if you know nothing. As you've already found, there aren't many parts inside an engine.

 

As long as you get the main gear on the crank the correct way so the 2 dots are facing the pulley end you cant go wrong really, the single dot on the cam then goes in between them. Simple. It is slightly harder if you put the gear on the wrong way round

 

if its newish with no wear its not so much of a problem, if the cam and lifters are worn then just randomly putting them back any old how will accelerate the wear of both components, particularly the cam

The Tom Wilson book is an excellent guide from teardown right through the rebuild, first start and run-in - by far the best out there.

Try searching for the 'Bug-me' videos as well as you can actually watch it being done in action. I was really apprehensive when I did my first aircooled engine but its only got 30 moving parts total, its unreal just how simple they are to build

 

Don't shoot the messenger, just passing on the words of a rather well renowned engine builder.

 

I’m surprised LP said that; this springs to mind -

 

LP has experimented a lot over the years and debunking old wives tales is his speciality. At the moment I'm running an engine that's had 2 different cams with the same followers, jumbled up between cam changes. I'm going to change the cam again shortly, but not the followers, though the cam it has at present was ready run in as will the next one be. I'll let you know if it's knackered, but I've done a good 12,000 miles on the second one and nothing to report.

 

Is Laurie still building engines? i sent him an email through his web page but it was fired back to me as undeliverable.

 

Thank you, I was interested how they might fracture like that

 

He hasn't been well and intending to give up at the end of the year (so his wife tells him) - he's 64. Doc told him to take a break. Think this year he's building mainly for people (workshops) he knows won't feck up the installation/setting up and blame him when they cook it. Also the likes of us will replace the odd freak leaky crankshaft oil seal etc without sending the buggers up to Scotland at his expense or send him threatening solicitors letters when he's a bit late delivering engines that he knows are destined for half finished resto's. He's a lovely bloke but runs himself ragged trying to please everyone and he's not as young as he was.

 

They're famous for it (T1 engines) - over-revving is the cause - they flex, fatigue the crank and pummel the shells into the case.

 

That is fair enough. Even legends have to call it a day at some point.

 

He doesn't want to stop, but everyone's been telling him he should and I think he's finally started to realise they're right.

 

Oh bugger, just found a crack in one of the heads.

Schoolboy error should of checked before now.

New head me thinks.

On the plus side, I've learnt a lot this week, never done any engine work, I now have five boxes of engine parts. I know I might sound mad but after this engine failure the vehicle does feel like mine now.

On another note have I used enough smiley/sad faces.

I think I will head to the jamboree in Lincoln, try and find head amongst other things.

 

Tell me more about this 'Jamboree' of which you speak...

 

Hi andyo

http://www.vanjamboree.co.uk/site/

 

Hi all,
I have started to rebuild my engine.

See images below


I knew the old barbie would come in handy.

 

Hi all

A few more images below of my engine rebuild.

I must admit, the closer it gets to being finished the more nervous I'm getting.

Check, check double check.


Trying to keep things organised.


When two become one.


It may not work once together but least it will look pretty.



Hope I'm not boring people with this thread, just excited/nervous and want to share from a newbie perspective.

Thanks

 

Hi all.

Just an update.

Engine rebuilt, back in and ran for twenty minutes.
Then journey down bottom of road.
Then slightly longer journey, got worried when being flashed by other motorists, public stopping turning and putting hands up, me thinking am I on fire, is there a problem......

Then remembered, no I'm back in my vw camper, people smiling waving, flashing, everything back to normal.
Been running and testing this week and the smile is back on my face.

I am very happy, first engine rebuild, feel like I have popped my vw cherry.

Engine seems to be running better than ever, and it drives a lot better, or is it me being biased.

I'm no expert so hope it holds up, only time will tell.

I would like to thank all the advice and posts responses. I could definitely not of done it without TLB and it's members.

Thank you.