Rebuild advice

[CarlosZ]

Bought a 72 westy earlier this year and already messed up the engine. Assuming a valve seat is the culprit at this point. It has a 2.0 GD engine with a progressive weber. I'd like to keep the existing block intact, buy dual webers and rebuild everything else but not sure on its condition. I've never been in another running bus so not sure what a good or poor running bus feels like. I'm also limited on tools and time. I'm on a budget, but am willing to spend what it takes to do it right. Anyone know if the AMC has improved their heads? Thanks

[SGKent]

I am hoping that you took the tin off and that it did not come out of the engine with no tin on it. You indicate you are both on a budget and also will spend what it takes to make it work. You also indicate you are limited in tools so that may be another expense, I don't know. Depending what is wrong that build can cost from $3000 to $6500 if you make no mistakes. You'll have 150 hours in it when you are done if you do it right unless the stars align and then it might be 30 hours. That doesn't include tuning. It will include learning and finding no longer available parts.
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[Wildthings]

Tell us more about what happened to your engine. Did it just randomly start to make a lot of noise? Did it lock up and skid the tires going down the road? Did it just not crank over one day?

Your repairs and of course your cost depend on what is actually wrong with your engine.

[CarlosZ]

Started tapping real loud getting off the freeway and had it towed home. Removed the heads and #1 isn't looking so good. Shrapnel on the piston and head. Is that what's left of the valve seat? I removed the tin. No heater boxes or thermostat.

[Wildthings]

Looks like a serious valve recession issue on both heads. They may well not be worth rebuilding. If you are close to an experienced Type 4 head rebuilder you could take them in and let them have a peek but you might be better off to spend the money and go for new heads. I have heard the hardware on the AMC heads is better these days and don't need upgrading right out of the box, maybe others will comment.

[Spike0180]

I will be watching this thread. I foresee this in my near future, and I'm trying to decide if I take my engine apart and rebuild before or after it blows up like this. >.<
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[udidwht]

[SGKent]

Len Hoffman at Hoffman Automotive Machine in GA. About $1500 for a set of heads. He does heads for the camper special - awesome work. That and new pistons and cylinders is the only way to go.
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[kooper271]

[udidwht]

[kooper271]

[SGKent]

From what I understand, AMC provides the castings. I've been told that Whatever wholesaler sells the actual heads installs the springs, keepers, and valves. I know that Len buys AMC castings by the pallet. His heads are very well priced for the quality. His economically priced heads are the best bang for the buck.
_________________
“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[udidwht]

[aerosurfer]

[SGKent]

[Randy in Maine]

Keep in mind that a type 4 engine makes all of its power from the heads and the camshaft, so invest your money there.

Tell Len that you intend to use dual carbs and he will set you up with larger intakes.

Buy the lifters from the camshaft guys as they need to be the same hardness..

[ac78]

I have a stock FI setup and have about 5,000 miles on the "out of the box" AMC heads that were paired with new Mahle kits since July 22nd. I have experienced great power and great gas mileage.

If you dont want to wait for the next run and are interested in going stock hydr FI, I would let my HAM pair go for what I paid plus shipping. They are still in the bubble wrap. Otherwise I'm saving them for my future rainy day.
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78 Westy 2.0l hydr. FI

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[Wildthings]

[busdaddy]

I'm still trying to figure out just what the hell that thing swallowed It almost looks like a section of valve seat.
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[Wildthings]