Fix or replace Vanagon engine?

[lucianosanchez]

Scroll to "The Problem" to skip intro.

Hi everyone, this is my first post and my first Westfalia so I am excited to be a part of this forum and plan to be more active as the days go by. First, I would like to introduce myself. My name is Luciano, 24 from Ventura County, California. My wife and I purchased a 1983 VW Westfalia with a 2.1 engine. The van needs some work and I expected that when purchasing it. Our plan is to get the van working and performing well enough for road trips and adventures.

The problem:

While driving the van back from where we purchased it, the van overheated and stopped working. Obviously the engine was not cooling how it should. Apparently there was coolant spilling, possibly from a malfunctioning thermostat or a clogged hose, I'm really not sure what went wrong.

What I do know is that the engine now does not work. When I try to turn the engine on (I try not to to prevent more damage) the engine does start but does not sound happy, it makes a clanking sound.

While driving it back (before overheating) the engine ran and sounded great. The PO did mention that the engine was gone through and checked before which from my understating is how it is a 2.1 engine now.

The Million Dollar Question hopefully less than that:

What should I do? Repair the engine that appeared to be running fine? Although I've never worked on an engine before, from what I've read I am fairly confident that I would be to perform the work required. With time and patience that is.

Or should I swallow the pill and replace the engine for a new one? I've already looked around and they seem pricey... GoWesty and Vanagain. GoWesty seems to be the better option but more expensive.

I have also looked into a conversion which sounds great (Bostig ztec) but I live in the strictest state, good old Cali...

Whichever option I choose, (replace or rebuild) I am definitely going through the cooling system and making sure that it works 100%. Probably replacing all lines and flushing the whole thing.

Anyway, that is my dilemma. I am pretty bummed that this happened but at the same time glad because I would hate if this happened on my way to a long trip. If anyone has experience or advice I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for reading and for your time.

Luciano
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1983.5 Aussan Brown Westfalia | 2016 to 2020
1983.5 Beige Westfalia | 2019 to Current

[jimf909]

Welcome! I think you'll learn a lot here and enjoy doing it.

What should you do?

1 - diagnose the problem (much more info is needed)
2 - assess your budget ($2K, $20K)
3 - identify affordable solutions
4 - choose and proceed

Others will surely chime in with details.

As for suggestions, I'm ready to be the one to say that all failed wbx motors should be replaced with conversions. The wbx motors should be passed on to the true believers to keep the fleet running as antiques and curiosities. The rest of us can use these rigs as updated, modern era cars.

Start digging in and have fun!
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- Jim

[lucianosanchez]

[Zeitgeist 13]

Before the conversionators work themselves into a frenzy, you need to run a compression test on the engine (assuming it still turns over), and a coolant system test in order to help determine what went wrong. Then you can decide what if anything needs to be done to/with the engine.
_________________
Casey--

'89 Bluestar ALH w/12mm Waldo pump, PP764 and GT2052
'01 Weekender --> full camper
y u rune klassik?

[WestyBob]

I'd recommend you take the rig to a 'good' mechanic and get this issue(s) fixed. Before this I'd check around with other fellow vanagon owners in your burg and get some shop recommendations or go to Roadhaus.com and see if there are any recommended shops in your area.

I'm guessing this may be the lowest cost route and also get your rig up and running in a short time.

If in the worst case the engine is predicted to be shot or way expensive to repair then you are at a decision point (rebuild, wbxer replace, conversion) depending on your budget and skills.

Welcome to the club. I doubt there are very many on this forum that haven't encountered similar problems. Take a deep breath, have patience and get it fixed by the numbers.

[Love My Westy]

Have you talked to the person who sold it to you? It seems like they might have sold you a bad motor. Maybe you could take it back to them. I think they bear some responsibility.

[Mellow Yellow 74]

[lucianosanchez]

[lucianosanchez]

[lucianosanchez]

[djkeev]

First things first...... WELCOME!!!

I am sorry that you have such serious problems so early.

These units have their "quirks" which you will discover soon enough.
Sadly, the cooling system is one of those quirks.

Have you refilled the cooling system?
If so, are there any obvious leaks?

When it overheated, did you happen to notice the temperature gauge rise or it's warning light illuminate?

This cooling system is very large with many connections so a leak isn't unheard of.

Know that these engines are quite tough, many have overheated them and continue to drive the same engine today.
The "Clanking" noise gives me pause........
I might put forth that the water pump has gone bad and the shaft has a lot of play in it.

Just for fun and giggles, remove the alternator belt and start the engine briefly.
Does that clanking noise no longer exist?

Any other noises related to overheating would be deeper sounding.
Also these engines often suffer from hydraulic lifter valve ticking.

I would also suggest an engine oil change for cooked engine oil loses some of it's designed properties.

Let us know what you find

Many here have cut their mechanic teeth on these rigs viewing DIY Vanagon repair as part of the price and enjoyment of the hobby.

Don't panic yet!
Not until you KNOW what is wrong.
Your cooling system needs obvious repair, but focus on your engine for the moment.

Dave
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Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[Abscate]

Post a short video clip here of the engine noise at idle. 5-10 seconds max

Usually we can tell internal engine damage noise from video.

Hopefully it's something easier...welcome!!
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.ssS!

[djkeev]

Agree! ^^^^

Make a short video, post it on youtube, copynthe youtube address for the video.....

Now it is easy........ Type [youtube] put the link here [/youtube] (no spaces)

[youtube]insertvideoaddress[/youtube]

And submit

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[lucianosanchez]

[lucianosanchez]

[nacradriver]

[Wildthings]

The early 83 models came with 2.0L air cooled engine, while the later 83 models came with a 1.9L watercooled engine. Either way if you have a 2.1L it is not the stock engine for your year, and whatever was done to do the conversion may not have been done all that well. Pictures of your vehicle, both of the front and showing the entire engine top and bottom would help in figuring out exactly what you have.

If your engine is making heavy mechanical noises it may well be shot so even if it has good compression it would not be cheaply fixable. Maybe the best thing you can do is pick up an engine from someone who is doing a swap to a Subaru, Zetec, etc. If you can drive it before it is pulled and do a compression test you should be able to get a good idea of it condition. You want to see good oil pressure at hot idle.

In general the big problems with these engines are water leakage, particularly the waterbox (head) gasket and the rod bolts. Both of these problems can be fixed when the engine is rebuilt so a rebuilt can be better than an untouched stock engine. There are a lot of plastic part in the cooling system that get brittle with age as well and thus are probably due for replacement at this time. Several companies offer SS replacements for most all of these items.

[bluebus86]

[lucianosanchez]

[lucianosanchez]