TheSamba.com :: View topic - EDIT: rebuilt 1776 engine thread

Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:01 am

EDIT: I guess I'll make this my engine assembly thread... being a stock VW guy for 20 years, I decided it was time to 'upgrade' to a 1776. I'll be running a stock carb (34PICT-3), dizzy (DVDA) and bus exhaust with this engine to power my 1971 Westy which I use for work (painting and contracting). Hopefully I'll love the engine once it's all buttoned up! I bought it online through a reputable and large-volume seller who had the longblock made by a Cali machine shop that does a lot of VW engines. So here's how this thread started:

Just got my rebuilt 1776 from the shipper - as I look over it, I don't recognize this hole - anyone tell me what it's for? I feel kind of dumb...

Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:09 am

I believe thats the type 3 dipstick hole. Just blank it off with a blank plate (buy or make) if you are putting it in anything other than a type 3

Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:09 am

That case is a case that is equipped to be able to be used in type three applications. The hole is for an oil dipstick pipe. That hole should have a blockoff plate on it. If it came like that, it's a good bet your engine hasn't even been tested, in which case I'd be worried.

Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:16 am

Oh; I'm worried... comes with being poor..

So where do I get a block-off plate? It sure looked like a dipstick hole to me...

Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:18 am

http://www.aircooled.net/new-bin/viewproductdetail.php?keyword2=ECA0006

Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:24 am

Cool - yea, I just googled it and it seems like a very common part. Thanks all -

Any other concerns I should have with the fact that this is a type 3 case?

Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:30 am

If its a type 3 case , it won't have a bug style dip stick tube, If it has both, it is a universal case not a type 3

Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:35 am

What Tee said.. I didn't mean to say it was a T3 case.. I meant to say it is set up to work on T3, which is true in a universal case as well as a T3 case. It has been painted, though, which probably means the case is used.. but I can't say for sure.. look at the place where the gen stand attaches.. there may be a number there.

Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:18 am

Kind of have to wonder about the bolts in oil pump too....

Dale

Fri Jul 25, 2008 11:22 am

Dale M. wrote: Kind of have to wonder about the bolts in oil pump too....

Dale

Full-flow oil filter..

Must be a universal case - it has a bug dipstick hole.

Fri Jul 25, 2008 11:53 am

I would be more worried that they allowed Mr. Silcone to use a tube of silicone to asemble you engine. It makes me wonder how many parts were reused. It would be a good idea to tap the plate for an oil temp guage I would bet lunch it runs real hot.

Fri Jul 25, 2008 12:42 pm

'Tis true - it is a rebuilt block with some used German parts. I have an oil relief valve oil temp gauge I'll be using.

I certainly didn't like the look of all that silicone... as I said; we'll see how it goes...

Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:56 pm

Is that also silicone UNDER the oil pump cover?

Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:22 pm

I've never seen white silicone... you? I'll see how things go. So far I figured out that I need a Gene Berg 45-degree Bus adapter plate for the oil pump cover/oil filter line (luckily I had foreseen that and ordered one), I need a block-off plate for that hole, and I don't have a #3 engine mounting nut welded on the case... other than that I think I'm OK. The engine came with paper intake manifold gaskets; one was ripped and I wouldn't want to use them anyway; luckily I had two metal ones in my gasket stash.. Oh yea and the exhaust ports on the muffler-side seem to be a hair too close together... but I should be able to make it work.

I bought this engine through an advertiser I found on The Samba. I'll certainly be leaving feedback once I see how things go... maybe I should have stayed stock... :cry:

Fri Jul 25, 2008 4:59 pm

I'm no expert but the only white silicone I know of is for your bath and kitchen.

Sarge

Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:04 pm

I just don't know.. who builds an engine and doesn't run test it?

Fri Jul 25, 2008 5:46 pm

The "white stuff" looks like Three Bond 1211 case sealant, good stuff for sure! Builder was a little sloppy though.
Anyway fire it up and place judgment later, if the builder knew enough to use that sealant, he may know enough to build you a really good engine. I guess time will tell.

Sat Jul 26, 2008 5:16 am

SRP1 wrote: The "white stuff" looks like Three Bond 1211 case sealant, good stuff for sure! Builder was a little sloppy though.
Anyway fire it up and place judgment later, if the builder knew enough to use that sealant, he may know enough to build you a really good engine. I guess time will tell.

Hey - thanks for the positive note!

Sat Jul 26, 2008 6:34 am

Here's some photos of the engine as it arrived and as it sits now...

Sat Jul 26, 2008 7:36 am

FYI, the case is missing the threaded insert that the engine mounting bolt threads into. It's the one that is below the oil cooler that I'm referring to, ask the builder to ship it to you. Draw it in with a short bolt and washer, and use a little red loctite during the install, line up the slots before drawing it in as best you can.
Don't use a hammer you could break the case ear off.