After my recent fun with a significant engine knock I have been told by a historic VW specialist (ok, someone that seems to know what they’re talking about) that although I can probably get away with driving Cyril on short trips, the engine really needs a rebuild before I try anything longer (unless I want to totally knacker it). I want to keep the engine as stock as it’s the original factory engine, less any bits that have been replaced over the years. It’s a 2lit T4 in a 1977 Bay. Before anyone suggests it: I won’t be going the Scooby route. Unfortunately I have neither the skills in all the time to do this myself so my questions are: 1. : Do I buy a reconditioned engine from VW engine company and have that fitted? 2. : or do I get my existing engine rebuilt as it was the original one that came in the van when was built in 1977? Is this likely to be more or less expensive than just getting a reconditioned engine and having that fitted? 3. : Who does anyone recommend if I get a rebuild. I am located near Watford but I am happy to travel for the right engine builder. 4. : Any indication or cost for A replacement/rebuilt engine fitted?
I would be inclined to rebuild what you have since it’s an original engine and you know it’s history. Since it has been a driver and not a basket case, it is likely to contain a lot of serviceable German parts. Your case is also likely to be in better condition because it hasn’t been through unknown numerous rebuilds and abuse. What’s inside a crate engine is anybody’s guess, pistons are likely to be Chinese, etc.
I guess as it’s bottom end @davidoft can’t help? Sean, see if there is a local ‘old boy’ that does machining, doesn’t have to be a VW engine specialist. There’s some kind of engineering company I think in apsley. Tucked nicely between apsley motor spares and and dunelm.
Apsley transmissions, engine & gearbox specialists. 01442259982. I’ve never used them nor do I know anyone who has so do your own homework.
I don’t know what there is in Newcastle, but having been there a couple times, there should be somebody who could do it. The bottom end is machining 101, the heads are more tricky. I live in northern New York in the sticks and ended up boxing up my parts and sending it to souther California. Of course there are places probably within a day’s drive, but shipping was way easier for me. I tried doing my own rebuild with the help of a local machinist and he missed some important stuff. He does everything from outboard motors to big diesel trucks. My point is that your original stuff is probably the best start. It is worth removing your engine and taking it as far as you need to. It has to be a good shop that is trustworthy and well recommended to be worth your while. You will need to do some of it yourself so it is not financially crushing and it will take time. I have this vision of the UK as having more enthusiasm for oddball European and older British makes than here in the US. I had a Renault Fuego here in the US in the 90’s. Every mechanic I took it too hated it. I’m blathering. 1000 pardonnes...
I fixed one with a big knocking in it. Turned out to be a lifter. I would drop the tubes and take the lifters out one by one and put them back in the same hole? Take a look.. You might get lucky. Only takes two hours. Make a audio clip,,, let’s hear it!
I am still haunted by the memory of tossing my original 1700 case into a skip at the local landfill in the 90’s with less than 100k on the clock. I think it had a burnt valve. But why wouldn’t I? A shiny new crate engine was on its way. They even painted the case silver.
I sent two vans to the scrapyard After I’d removed a gearbox from one of them Probably sold now for around 10k for the pair Hindsight and all that
They just weren’t that special in the early 90’s. I save everything now even if it’s broken beyond repair. When the new one arrives , I can at least figure out why it doesn’t fit. I’m currently redoing original rear backing plates. Will the aftermarket ones fit? Who knows, but I know these will after a trip through the blast cabinet and some easy welding.
Good call Interestingly enough VW Engine Company will do a rebuild of an existing engine for the same money. You just have a 2/3 week wait as not taking off of the shelf. And a 2 yr warranty if they do the changeover... food for thought Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Are you sure it’s the original engine? It could have been changed before you bought the bus. Mine is also a ’77 and it’s had at least five engines but the fan shroud is original and that’s the number recorded on the registration.
What’s the connection with Newcastle I thought you were based near Watford? I do know a reputable air cooled engine builder Hexham way just up the road from Newcastle if that helps. Give Paul at LVH engines a call
Im pretty sure that is exactly who various posters are warning against using. After various problems with engines he has built for forum users
Just had an engine fully rebuilt at aircooled hut (jay arch). Very impressed and personalise to your requirements. Bought years ago for £25 was a bit gunged up but now perfect. I stripped it, put it through a parts washer and took all good parts in to be built. Sent from my SM-A405FN using Tapatalk
