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Fri May 16, 2008 2:43 pm

Just considering rebuilding my motor but I have no real skills. I do have the tools, shop and time though. I've read most of the How to keep your vw alive book and it seems possible but I need some input from others. Thanks

Fri May 16, 2008 3:37 pm

What will the weather be 2 years from today? Without some idea of your skills or previous experience there's no real answer to your question. VW makes alot of different motors as well, a clue as to what you are contemplating doing may help. For instance is it tired or did it grenade on the freeway?

There's quite a few threads here where total noobs dug into their engines and suceeded in rebuilding them with help from others here, provide lots of information and pics and there's a good chance you could pull it off. Some of the procedures are better left to a capable machine shop but most of the work on an aircooled engine you can do at home.

Fri May 16, 2008 4:57 pm

Go here:
http://www.rdtlabs.com/Presentations/ratenginekitprogram_files/frame.htm
With a simple toolkit you can build the best motor your engine core could possibly become! All the research has been done, no guess work. When you are done you will not only have a strong, reliable motor; but also, learn all about the workings of your air-cooled motor. In the end, you will feel great of your accomplishment and the knowledge you have gained.

Fri May 16, 2008 6:48 pm

Sat May 17, 2008 12:33 am

Forget about the entertaining Muir book and go get Tom Wilson's "How To Rebuild Your VW AirCooled Engine". Read and study that one and then you will be able to make up your mind. If you decide to go forward, get the Bentley manual first. You need both books. Also find a machine shop specializing in AC VW's. Whether you can do it or not depends on how well you can follow instructions.
For any specific questions you need to tell us about your engine. Starting with what type and year engine.

Sat May 17, 2008 2:16 am

Desertbusman wrote: Forget about the entertaining Muir book and go get Tom Wilson's "How To Rebuild Your VW AirCooled Engine".
Exactly.. .also read the Robert Bentley shop manual.

Sat May 17, 2008 2:19 am

putting an engine together is not to hard. doing it right is not very easy.

Sat May 17, 2008 2:33 am

There are two types of VW bus owners. Those who by experience know whats going on in their engine, and those that don't.

The latter group will, at some point, be the ones scratching their heads staring into the engine bay on the side of the freeway when the gremlins strike.

In the long run you'll save money on mechanic's bills, and there's nothing like the sense of pride you get from trundling along in a bus powered by an engine YOU built.

Sat May 17, 2008 5:54 am

Desertbusman wrote: Forget about the entertaining Muir book and go get Tom Wilson's "How To Rebuild Your VW AirCooled Engine". Read and study that one and then you will be able to make up your mind. If you decide to go forward, get the Bentley manual first. You need both books. Also find a machine shop specializing in AC VW's. Whether you can do it or not depends on how well you can follow instructions.
For any specific questions you need to tell us about your engine. Starting with what type and year engine.

I would echo the view about reading and re-reading Tom Wilson's book, "How To Rebuild Your VW Air-Cooled Engine", which I found very informative and a pleasure to read, despite having originated from the colonies. 8) :wink:

I did however, discover a few technical errors; particularly with regard to equivalent measurements in Imperial and Metric units, so beware! I think it was in the section, on valve-spring installed heights.

There are also some interesting and relevant sections in Bill Fisher's book, "How to Hot Rod Air-cooled Volkswagens", some aspects of which I incorporated into my 1911 cm³ displacement, VW 17/1800 Type 2 & 4, modified hybrid engine, for transplantation into my 1973 VW "1600" Type 2.

Sat May 17, 2008 7:05 am

sounds like I have a few more books to purchase. But it sounds fun. Thanks for the help guys. This is a great site I love it.

Sat May 17, 2008 11:12 pm

67jason wrote: putting an engine together is not to hard. doing it right is not very easy.

Good one! :lol: