TheSamba.com :: View topic - Good mechanic or advice for 85 Westy w/thrown rod??

Thu Jun 01, 2006 2:09 pm

A friend of mine is broken down in Ukiah, CA with a thrown rod on her 85 Westy. She was just quoted $4000 on a new engine. The price is totally out of her range given that she could just get another Westy for that price.

I am about 100 miles south so my mechanic is out. Does anyone know of a reputable VW mechanic in her area or in NoCal in general? Or just any advice?

Thanks!!!

Thu Jun 01, 2006 2:36 pm

In my opinion wbx engines are prone to throwing rods, especially if the engine has been rebuilt and the rod bolts not replaced. It is especially important to always replace the rod bolts when rebuilding and to not over-rev the engine. Keep it in the green!

4000 is a little high, but not bad if it is a good rebuild and can be done in the short term.

Thu Jun 01, 2006 5:22 pm

Tow it to someplace where it can be for a while.

A "great" new engine is aobut $3K + installation.

http://www.bostonengine.com/enginepricelist.html

Thu Jun 01, 2006 9:41 pm

And a used 1.9 should be cheaper still. Put it in, drive home then fix what needs fixed the right way.

Thu Jun 01, 2006 10:04 pm

Theres a shop in Mendocino, specializes in BMW but does VWs too. A few years ago I broke down (clutch issues) and had my 84 fixed there. Can't remember the name of the guy who owns it, but a little calling/searching should find it (Mendocino European Auto or something like that). Really cool guy, let me sleep in his parking lot and then he showed up Sunday morning with the part and did it in less than an hour, and was very reasonable. Rebuilding/replacing an engine though, that will be pricey.