WBX head seal job = Get a garage to do it ?

[ghost123uk]

Just as a matter of interest = Go-Westy engine prices (in the USA) = http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_category.php?id=82" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (they reckon they have a less than 5% failure rate)

Their least expensive motor, a 2.2Ltr, 95 hp, 130 ft. lbs unit, would cost ~£2500 in English money (but of course they are in the USA ) - I would pay that much with no hesitation if I needed a "proper" replacement engine for my van. Plus there are many on here that would buy "proper" engines if they were available. (You know, all the Westy Cali/Atlantic/BlueStar/WhiteStar/LLE brigade, plus the Syncro brigade, you know, the ones who have lots of money )

[300CE]

Hi John,

If he's still about, it might be worth getting in touch with Marco Mansi to see if there's anything he can do for you:

http://www.marcomansiperformance.com/products.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ghost123uk]

Hi John, If he's still about, it might be worth getting in touch with Marco Mansi to see if there's anything he can do for you: http://www.marcomansiperformance.com/products.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Very good idea

I have emailed him.

]His website "indicates" he does at least supply "proper" replacement engines from £1795, so for those of us who want a no compromise solution to WBX problems (and have lots on money or a good credit card rating) then this could be what "we" have been looking for. At least the guy has a good reputation and at that price it is not far away from the Vege/Remtek prices (iirc) with the bonus that he makes several improvements.

If he can do me a "proper" reconditioned/improved DG with a solid warranty I might well go that route.

[kevtherev]

My opinion, try to find a rebuilder that does a great job on the waterboxer. They may charge a bit more, but it is well worth it in the long run. If the customers don't have the money, I encourage them to sell the van to someone else. If you can't afford to maintain it properly what is the point of owning it? Putting in low quality rebuilds just perpetuates the false sense that the OE motors were never reliable. Yes they can be very reliable. If you take the time to rebuild them right.

Conversions are a mixed bag. Usually they wind up being a science experiment that never fully comes to an end. It really depends on how good of a job the person doing it initially does. Not my idea of a reliable vehicle.

Just my opinion.

..,.and one I find I absolutely agree with.

Usually they wind up being a science experiment that never fully comes to an end.

That made me laugh.

[vanagain]

We usually charge around $3200US for a rebuilt engine, but I don't like to ship them because I want to be the person who installs it to know what they are doing. I shipped a couple in the past and had mixed results with them actually lasting. However the ones that I have installed myself are all still going down the road well beyond any warranty period.

When you install a rebuilt engine, it isn't just spend a big chunk of money on the engine and now the whole van is magically new. That is what most folks think. You have to take a look at why did the old engine fail, look at the cooling system and be sure it is fully functional (no "chocolate radiators" whatever that means). You also need to look at the fuel injection. Is the engine misfiring, running rich or lean, etc. Any of these things can kill a new engine within a very short period of time.

If you take a step back and look at the big picture, your van will be a lot more fun to use and drive.

[ghost123uk]

Totally understand that Ken

A blockage in a bleed ring "T" piece is what killed my first engine (7 years ago). Had I not found it, it would have done the same to the replacement (which 7 years on is now "dripping" - and yes, I have always used the correct coolant )




"chocolate radiators" means ones that are not fit for purpose, ie made of inferior materials or construction. Here in the UK, we have a saying "about as much use as a chocolate ashtray"

[itchyfeet]

chocolate fireguard

[Smosh]

Chocolate teapot

[itchyfeet]

ashtray on a motorbike
inflatable dartboard

[ghost123uk]

Chinese wheel bearings made out of cheese.

I think it was the Honda motorbike racing team in the 60's that had a slogan = "Stamp out friction" but I think they were forgetting the tyres, brakes and clutch etc Just came to mind for some reason Back to the gardening now

[Bigjcc55]

Hand brake on a canoe.

[tobydog]

Helicopter ejector seat.

[ghost123uk]

Our new American friend, Ken, will think we are all mad. Oh, of course, we are

[dbz864]

Probably a daft question but do vw still offer engines for these vans?

[California Dreamin]