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Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:36 am

I'm about to get a cheep westy but it has a seized engine. The person ran it without checking the oil. Do I have to get a new engine, or could I take it apart to fix this issue without buying a new engine? I'm a little new to fixing these so it would also be a good learning experience. So basically what I am asking is if it will be a waste of time trying to salvage this engine?

Thu Nov 12, 2009 8:38 am

It all depends on what is damaged.

You can take it apart and then evaluate if it's rebuildable.

Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:32 am

First you need to examine the engine core from underneath the vehicle to see if there is any visual damage to the case/core of the engine. This usually happens when it throws a rod right threw the case making it an unusable core. It depends also on what shape of the actual bus, like the body, interior, etc. (the best way to show us, is by uploading pictures here on this site). If its one that has little to no rust and is pretty complete, then it wouldnt really matter what shape engine is in and would be worth it no matter what.

Thu Nov 12, 2009 9:58 am

Thanks riguy, I'll be looking at it tomorrow and will take pictures. From what he said there is little rust and minor issues. It has all of the interior, so I'll be buying it no matter what. I'll post the only picture I have of it though.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44593323@N02/4098670758/

Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:26 am

A good engine costs $5000 and up. The chance of finding a good used engine for a VW that old is small. Thought you should know the facts before you buy.

Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:27 am

Rusty O'Toole wrote: A good rebuilt engine costs $5000 and up. There are cheaper ones but they don't stand up. The chance of finding a good used engine for a VW that old is small. Thought you should know the facts before you buy.

Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:35 am

Rusty O'Toole wrote: A good engine costs $5000 and up. The chance of finding a good used engine for a VW that old is small. Thought you should know the facts before you buy.
I would say probably 1500 and up, but it depends on how far you go into the rebuild and the quality of parts you buy. It really depends on your location and VW accessibility to parts and knowledge.

Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:41 am

GrantsvilleBum wrote: http://www.flickr.com/photos/44593323@N02/4098670758/
Looks like a pretty decent/solid 1973 Westy camper, so your definatly going to be dealing with a Type 4 engine in this bus. Post some pictures of your engine bay and interior. If your engine seized up, there is probably a good chance that the PO overheated the engine. To see the extent of the damage is to drop the engine and split the case, but this is pretty overwhelming for a person that is just starting to learn aircooled VW. I suggest you get the Bentley manual and the Tom Wilson book, both are the best resources out there for your bus. Good luck...and post those pics! 8)

Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:42 am

I live near Salt Lake so parts are fairly easy to come by. The wife is giving me second thoughts; I might wait until I finish up with my 77 Champagne edition before getting another one.

Thu Nov 12, 2009 10:59 am

built by someone esle, long blocks are 3500 and up, diy you can safely knock off 1k, and even push the total price down to 1k if you get reeally lucky/take shortcuts :shock:

Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:11 am

When you say (cheep) "cheap," what does cheap mean? Cheap in price or cheap in condition, or both???? Hope your wallet isn't cheap to make repairs that are necessary. Have you actually looked at this Bus???

Thu Nov 12, 2009 11:31 am

$300 price, pic/description isn't bad. Right now I am cheep since my car blew up, and working on a bus I have now.