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jfavia Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2019 Posts: 12 Location: NJ
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Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2020 5:00 am Post subject: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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A few months ago I was able to buy a Boston Bob 2.1 motor. The motor had 0 hours, and the heads machined out for more power. I am finally in position to put the new motor in my 1990 Vanagon. Before I do, I wanted to see if anyone had some advise, or Do's and Don'ts before I trying turning it over. As well as any recommendation on gas grade, oil, filters, etc.
Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks all! |
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the joker Samba Member
Joined: October 12, 2006 Posts: 1287
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Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2020 5:58 am Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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1st , where did you get a Boston Bob engine? he's passed away years ago.
2nd use Mann oil filters, get a zinc additive for the first oil , use Rotella oil for the initial runs ( short runs , with oil changes between each)
replace / new coolant renew coolant system ie radiator thermo etc.
adjust the valves cold follow bentlys turn them 1 1/2 turns after adjuster just touches the v- stem
for the first crank . pull the coil wire , crank to build some oil pressure. fill the oil filter 1/2 way before you install it.
if I remember Boston bob had a procedure that came with the engine, may still have mine |
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AZ Landshaper Samba Member
Joined: February 08, 2009 Posts: 1698 Location: The Old Pueblo
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Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2020 6:10 am Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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Thats quite a find. A collector item by all standards vanagon. _________________ Support Small Business.
-------------------------------------------------------
85 Weekender w/ EJ22
Previously
64, 71, 72, 73, 76, 81, 84, 85 & 87 Campmobiles and Westfalias
and a 67 bug. |
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MarkWard Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005 Posts: 17116 Location: Retired South Florida
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Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2020 7:05 am Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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Any new engine, I like to see oil pressure prior to the first start. There are a couple ways to do this with a pancake engine. If you search the Google, you'll find pressure pots that let you fill the engine with oil through an oil pressure port. This ensures, the galleys are full and the bearing surfaces get some oil prior to starting. Thats probably not practical for a DIY person to invest in.
So, with the sparkplugs removed and the coil and fuel pump disabled. Crank the engine in short segments say 10 seconds until the oil warning light goes out. This takes any loads off the crankshaft bearings while you get pressure. Once the engine has oil pressure, you are ready to fire it up. Be ready to get it up to 2000 rpm or so for 20 mins. This will give the camshaft and lifters time to bed in. That means to have the cooling system full and bled if possible and your timing light in hand.
The engine if assembled by a reputable builder should have assembly lube on all the bearings and moving parts. It acts as a lubricant during assembly as well as on first start up. Once you've run it to temp shut it down, look for leaks drips etc.
You are now ready to break it in on the road. Aggressive acceleration and deceleration are best. After a 1000 miles change the oil and filter and you are good to go. Avoid constant rpm like on the highway during the break in period. Break in is a confusing term to some. You are only seating the piston rings to the cylinders. You are not "clearancing" any rotating parts. _________________ ☮️ |
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the joker Samba Member
Joined: October 12, 2006 Posts: 1287
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Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2020 2:06 pm Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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I think Bob recommended two rev ups/ oil changes ( new filter. zinc it again. rotella? oil) break ins . then fresh oil for the road first 500? then a change for 3000-5000k , and valve adj |
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jberger Samba Member
Joined: November 17, 2003 Posts: 2476
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Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2020 2:53 pm Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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For any engine that has been sitting for years... put a scope in all the spark plug holes to check for corrosion on the cylinder walls. Also take a peek at the cam if you can through the oil drain plug hole. If there are any signs of dry storage or corrosion you need to pull it apart and clean everything up before attempting to start. If all is well, then you do the same as any other engine. 20 minute cam break-in... then run it like you stole it.
J |
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jfavia Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2019 Posts: 12 Location: NJ
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Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2020 3:11 pm Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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I found the engine in MD from an awesome guy who had it rebuilt by Boston Bob 12 years ago (he gave the the BOS). He got the rebuild done anticipating his, then running motor, was going to die. Long story short, his original motor lived long past he expected and he never got around to doing the swap.
He kept the motor in his temp controlled garage in amazing condition. The owner was in the heavy equipment industry, so he knew his stuff.
I have the directions from Bob in regards to the start up process. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing any helpful hints. Bob didn't go into detail about the type of oil, coolant, filters, grade of gas, etc that he recommended.
Thanks everyone. |
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ledogboy Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2005 Posts: 578 Location: Scappoose, OR / Oakland, CA
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Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2020 3:13 pm Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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That's pretty darn cool. I hope it works well for you! _________________ 1986 Westy Weekender
Now a full camper
1.8t Syncro conversion
Some people call him Maurice... |
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jberger Samba Member
Joined: November 17, 2003 Posts: 2476
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Posted: Thu Feb 13, 2020 3:40 pm Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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jfavia wrote: |
I found the engine in MD from an awesome guy who had it rebuilt by Boston Bob 12 years ago (he gave the the BOS). He got the rebuild done anticipating his, then running motor, was going to die. Long story short, his original motor lived long past he expected and he never got around to doing the swap.
He kept the motor in his temp controlled garage in amazing condition. The owner was in the heavy equipment industry, so he knew his stuff.
I have the directions from Bob in regards to the start up process. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing any helpful hints. Bob didn't go into detail about the type of oil, coolant, filters, grade of gas, etc that he recommended.
Thanks everyone. |
Regardless, turning that over without scoping it is asking for trouble. I have seen engines sitting in "good" shops that have rust hair growing from the crank, rods and cam. YMMV.
J |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16503 Location: Brookeville, MD
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jfavia Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2019 Posts: 12 Location: NJ
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Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2020 10:31 am Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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pulled the plugs, no corrosion |
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16503 Location: Brookeville, MD
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2wdvanagon Samba Member
Joined: August 23, 2011 Posts: 106 Location: Fair Oaks, CA
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Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2020 12:59 pm Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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Just out of curiosity, where did you get a Boston Bob motor with zero miles? |
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ledogboy Samba Member
Joined: September 19, 2005 Posts: 578 Location: Scappoose, OR / Oakland, CA
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Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2020 1:06 pm Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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2wdvanagon wrote: |
Just out of curiosity, where did you get a Boston Bob motor with zero miles? |
Six posts up... _________________ 1986 Westy Weekender
Now a full camper
1.8t Syncro conversion
Some people call him Maurice... |
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2wdvanagon Samba Member
Joined: August 23, 2011 Posts: 106 Location: Fair Oaks, CA
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Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2020 1:08 pm Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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jfavia wrote: |
I found the engine in MD from an awesome guy who had it rebuilt by Boston Bob 12 years ago (he gave the the BOS). He got the rebuild done anticipating his, then running motor, was going to die. Long story short, his original motor lived long past he expected and he never got around to doing the swap.
He kept the motor in his temp controlled garage in amazing condition. The owner was in the heavy equipment industry, so he knew his stuff.
I have the directions from Bob in regards to the start up process. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing any helpful hints. Bob didn't go into detail about the type of oil, coolant, filters, grade of gas, etc that he recommended.
Thanks everyone. |
Sorry, just read this. Lucky you! |
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jfavia Samba Member
Joined: July 29, 2019 Posts: 12 Location: NJ
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Posted: Sat Feb 15, 2020 2:25 pm Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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So I just picked up a bunch of items I need to get the van running... gear oil, transmission oil, coolant, etc.
I read in Bob's directions that I MUST use non-synthetic oil, and the owners manual says API SF or SG. That said, it's almost impossible to find a 10/30 oil that shows API of SF or SG. I am being told that SF and SG has been taken over by other ratings over the years. The only oils that still show the SF SG are ones used for 4 stroke dirt bike motors.
Is it OK to go with a 10/30 standard oil? |
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0to60in6min Samba Member
Joined: November 27, 2006 Posts: 3416 Location: OR & CA (Oregon/California)
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dobryan Samba Member
Joined: March 24, 2006 Posts: 16503 Location: Brookeville, MD
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ddye Samba Member
Joined: July 14, 2010 Posts: 357 Location: Dallas, TX
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Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 1:45 pm Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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This rocks. I have a BB and love it.
Congrats! _________________ 1988 Westy
2.1 Boston Bob Rebuild
"Nelly" |
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Marshj Samba Member
Joined: May 26, 2017 Posts: 268 Location: New Jersey
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Posted: Wed Feb 19, 2020 9:39 pm Post subject: Re: Tips for starting a Boston Bob rebuilt 2.1 |
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Joe has a friend that has a good CL eye for Vanagon things and saw the BB engine and joe pounced . Motors in. Almost GO TIME |
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