Buying an engine...

[Irishpete]

Right, this is a bit of a strange one but you never know.

One of the reasons I bought a bus was so that I could learn a bit about how to keep it on the road and look after it properly myself. Unfortunately we have started to use her regularly for weddings and I don't really want to take the engine apart etc, screw something up and then not be able to do a wedding we've committed to.

My question is, I assume it's possible (with a bit of fuel) to have a separate engine that I can learnt how to take apart, put together etc on that can live in my shed.

If it is possible to do, is it possible to do without spending a lot? Is there anything I should be aware of?

Cheers in advance, Pete

 

[PIEMAN]

I have a 1641cc which is only running on 2 cylinders at the moment. It may need a rebuild.
I am thinking of putting a bigger engine in so may sell it but haven't a clue what it would be worth.
I don't know if it would interest you but thought I'd let you know.
Cheers

 

[radish]

Get yourself a bell housing off a gearbox a spare starter motor and a can of fuel and you could run it on the floor in your garage. Remember It will be loud with out an exhaust.

 

[Irishpete]

Cool, thanks guys.

Pieman, thanks for the offer (I have no idea either!) I have a few to look at and the guy who helps out with my bus may also have one but I'll be in touch if I need one.

Thanks again

 

[mabbo]

I would suggest finding a none running 1600 that came from a van with the proper mounting holes in the case for the moustache bar.

You will learn a lot just by stripping it down.

Best case scenario cost wise would be:

Crank case machining
Gasket set
Main, rod, cam bearings
Crank grind
Piston rings
New valves
Assembly lube / sealer / end float shims etc

But there are likely to be other costs - oil pump, barrel and pistons, heads, etc depending on condition.

I would also buy a cheap bench mounted engine stand, a crank gear puller, and a case half splitter. Not essential but would make it a lot easier for a novice.

And buy this - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebuild-Aircooled-VW-Engines-HP255/dp/0895862255/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1402167549&sr=8-1&keywords=How+to+Rebuild+Your+Volkswagen+air-Cooled+Engine" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Take your time and enjoy building it up, they are real simple engines.

Any questions, send me a PM.

Cheers, Mabbo

 

[RePhil]

Hi, Here's my take on this.

If your quest is to be able to look after your bus then there's a lot more to it than just the engine. Read as much as you can, textbooks & of others' experiences. Youtube has some great how to's & some idiots talking tripe.
Buying an engine to play with & learn is an expensive hobby - I could see you well on the way to £1k easily & have a nice setup that still doesn't mimic reality. If you plan to build a decent engine to one day pop into your bus then fair enough.

I would advise that you learn how to carry out all the basic servicing & adjustments required of a standard service. All are quite straightforward & common sense - once you know how. Carrying out these will only take your bus off the road for a few hours at a time. If you see anything untoward stop & seek advice.
Get to know what looks, feels, sounds & smells good will take you a long way.

Draw up a simple chart/spreadsheet & list service ops against time/milage.
Read through a Haynes manual & I think you'll be able to carry out most of what's required & most of it's nothing to do with the engine!

Having said all that - I rebuilt my engine last year & loved it. But I am an engineer.

My 10P. Others feel free to disagree.

PS We had a chat at Stanford - hope the knee is sorted.

Phil.