Club 80-90 Forums

Hi
Wonder if anyone can help?
I've got a 1981 Aircooled with a cj engine in it. It leaks like a seive and the garage said easiest way to sort it is get a CU to fit it. As its a bit pricey for a recon, and i like a challenge, I was thinking about buying one that needs repaired and doing it myself. Now I was wondering if this is doable for a diyer or should I just save up and keep topping it up in the mean time? I do most of the stuff myself but i'm no williams pit crew member. I've got it in my head now that i could do it and it would be great to do it myself and get it running. Just thought there might be literature out there that would make it possible. Any advice would be greatly appreciated
Cheers
Ned

Hi
I have found an engine which is being sold as spares. Bloke says its a new engine with only 7500 miles that failed. Compression test came out 135, 95, 90, 85. Just wondering if this is salvageable for a rebuild? Any ideas would be great.
Thanks
Ned

Hi Ned,

if you can afford the engine, I would say go for it. Not done it myself, but several on here have, so there is the experience out there. And if you can document it as you go along, with pictures, what you did wrong, and what you did right, it will be a useful resource for the wiki, and others will benefit in the future!

There is literature - the haynes manual, and various Aircooled books. The bentley manual is also good.

Even if at the end of the day it isn't salvageable, what you will have learned about the engines will stand you in good stead for the future.

Good Luck


Em
xxx

i helped do mine didn`t seem too bad

Hi,

Just done top end rebuild on ours (see posts).

I have equally never done anything like this before but it was actually relatively straigght forward. Hardest bit for me was getting engine in and out of the van...

As others have said - using Haynes / Bentley and this brilliant forum, you can do anything if you have patience (and some cash helps).

The knowledge I have gained is huge, as is the sense of satisfaction of doing this yourself so I would say go for it

Chris

Silly Question but where is the oil leaking from?
It may be that you can spend only a little and rectify the leak or leaks for the sake of some new gaskets
An engine rebuild will require some specialist tools as well as a reasonable set of mechanics tools please dont undo nuts & bolts with mole grips
You will also require some measuring equipment for piston sizes /bore sizes for replacement rings or even pistons
A nice dry workshop would be nice but not essential (Lots of us have rebuilt engines on the drive before) personally Im too old and knackered to do it any way other than I nice 4 post ramp in a dry warm workshop with the filter coffee on the go
Seriously have a look at the oil leaks first may give you a stay of execution and time to save for a nice shiney new lump

Thanks for all the advice everyone.
Think I'll have a look for the leaks first, I know its leaking from the dipstick tube and oil filler tube where they've been bent to get them closer to the number plate flap. Hard to see any more before i get the tinware off. Would seem a shame to get rid of it cause i've just done the inlet gaskets, rubbers on the single carb, leads, cap and so on and she's running lovely (hope i've not just jinxed myself!). Definately fancy rebuilding a CU though, so might look for a lump needing repaired and do it slow time.
Thanks again

Ned