Engine case gap after torquing case?

[westfaliaftw]

I’m assembling my big bore 40hp and after multiple dry fittings to check clearances etc I’ve noticed there seems to be a larger than normal gap in my case. About 0.33mm or 0.013” gap all around the case above the camshaft, including the rear main bearing saddle and front main bearing saddle. Below the cam shaft the case is very tight like it should be. The case has been machined recently. The dowels and dowel holes are completely clean. I’m wondering if there is a spec for that gap, Thanks in advance!
_________________
1974 standard beetle - Africa red
1959 deluxe beetle - l41 black/brick red interior
1956 single cab - dove blue
1961 standard micro bus - mango green/dove grey
1971 campmobile - pastel white

[westfaliaftw]

I should also note that this is just with the mains torqued. No outer hardware installed/torqued
_________________
1974 standard beetle - Africa red
1959 deluxe beetle - l41 black/brick red interior
1956 single cab - dove blue
1961 standard micro bus - mango green/dove grey
1971 campmobile - pastel white

[modok]

Assuming the case split is perfectly flat with no bearings
.000-.002 aluminum bearing
.002-.005 with a steel shell bearing.
Inches.

[westfaliaftw]

Thanks! Now that I know my gap is way out to lunch I’m curious what would cause this? Warping?
_________________
1974 standard beetle - Africa red
1959 deluxe beetle - l41 black/brick red interior
1956 single cab - dove blue
1961 standard micro bus - mango green/dove grey
1971 campmobile - pastel white

[67rustavenger]

I'll ask the dumb question.

Is this occurring with the crank and cam installed or just the bare case with the bearings in the saddles?

If the crank and cam are in place. Take the crank out and torque to spec and see if the gap goes away.
If the gap goes away. You like have a bearing misaligned holding the case open.
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!
2003 Astrovan? GFYS again, Xevin!
Don't let your bad ideas remain, ideas!

[modok]

Possibly thing too big for hole. Measure hole. Measure thing.

[westfaliaftw]

This is with the case empty. The gap is the save with and without the crank/bearings installed. After further inspection it seems the gap is at its widest near the upper dowel. Possible that it could be the thing that’s too big for its hole??
_________________
1974 standard beetle - Africa red
1959 deluxe beetle - l41 black/brick red interior
1956 single cab - dove blue
1961 standard micro bus - mango green/dove grey
1971 campmobile - pastel white

[anthracitedub]

I always perform several different measurements to make certain that thing and hole are in agreement.

[modok]

Oh, that's different. I thought you meant with the bearings in place.

The VW community calls it "spread", like, "your case is spread"
I'd just call it warped. Caused by the bearing overheating.
Officially, it's junk, but IMO not necessarily.
Although, you said it was just machined in some way?
This should have been addressed before re-surfacing or line boring.

[westfaliaftw]

Yeah it was line bored by rimco a few thousand miles ago. The story on this engine is that I used to own the car it was in right after it was rebuilt then I sold it but the next owner striped the engine down due to dropping tools in the case and I got it in pieces. So I know it ran great with no leaks before it was taken apart, so something has changed and I’m not sure what
_________________
1974 standard beetle - Africa red
1959 deluxe beetle - l41 black/brick red interior
1956 single cab - dove blue
1961 standard micro bus - mango green/dove grey
1971 campmobile - pastel white

[67rustavenger]

[quote="westfaliaftw"]Yeah it was line bored by rimco a few thousand miles ago. The story on this engine is that I used to own the car it was in right after it was rebuilt then I sold it but the next owner stripped the engine down due to dropping tools in the case<<<<<< There's your problem right there!
_________________
I have learned over the years.
Cheap parts are gonna disappoint you.
Buy Once, Cry Once!

There's never enough time to do it right the first time. But there's always enough time to do it thrice.
GFY's Xevin and VW_Jimbo!
2003 Astrovan? GFYS again, Xevin!
Don't let your bad ideas remain, ideas!