Page 1 of 1

Give me your rebuild wisdom

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 1:27 am
by littco
Just about to start building this weekend my first engine, I have read the how to rebuild your VW engine book many times to familiarise myself , but really appreaciate any hints/tips/pearls of wisdom you guys may have to offer. Doesn't matter how small just anything you have found or do while building your engines.. I know nothing beats experience and as I have none I would like some of yours.

Many thanks in advance

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 1:47 am
by 72super
Get one of those distributor drive shaft pullers. Dang I had the HUGEST problem with it being off by one tooth, and spent two hours trying to get the thing out. This isn't a need, but i sure needed one.

Mock up the short block at least twice, and move things around (little bit of lube here) to get a feel for what is going on.

Make sure you use heavy weight oil and assembly lube on everything when you finally decide to put it in there for real.

Use really high quality engine sealant. If you have to spend $15 for a little can, so be it. Don't cheap out here and have to tear it down later.

Quadruple check the torque specs on all your bolts. Make sure you do them in the crossways diagonal style.

Figure out how those bearings like to sit down in there real good, and make sure they all land in their pins.

And most importantly, be patient. If you're confused about anything, just stop, and check the books. If you're still not sure, do a search in the forums. If you don't find anything, post your problem and wait a day.

Have fun! And try not to swear too bad when you cut your finger open on those lovely piston rings :lol:.

Posted: Fri May 27, 2005 5:44 am
by davec
Valve train geometry. Do a search here and take the time to do it and do it right.

Dave