Engines - All the same or different for A.S?

[GhiaChick]

I had an oil leak this past year and was told that the engine case was cracked.  The cost the garage quoted was $1,200 just for the case, never mind labor.  As there are other small issues with the engine, I am considering replacing the whole engine.  Here's the question - Is/was there a specific engine made for the Autostick or are they all the same?  I have heard varying opinions, even from people who sell VW engines.

While I'm asking, anything I should share with the mechanic who will do the work?that  (haven't identified one yet - still interviewing people for the position - ha ha).  And a recommendation of where to order an engine from?  I.e. MidAmerica...

Thanks.

[volkenstein]

Ghiachick,
           The engines are assembled slightly differently, but as far as the case goes - all the same. $1200?? If your are in the US that is a blatant ripoff. IIRC new cases run to around 500-700 max.

Now, something to consider before going shopping. I don't know which type of engine you have, but try and replace like with like. The A-S oilpumps (that someone on TheSamba mentioned) are specific to what type of engine they are in.

H series engines uses one type, B series use another type and dual ports use another. Read off the engine serial on your current and post it up. The engine number is just below where it says "Zundfolge" at the bottom of the generator/alternator stand (assuming you gave an OG stand!).

MAM -> no, don't do it.

Some things you will need from your old engine are: complete oil pump, oil pump mounting studs, flexplate, gland nut & washer, intake manifold. They are all A-S specific.

Whatever case your are using to replace your leaking one will need the lower two gearbox mounting studs removed and the oil pump mounting studs removed and replaced with your saved oil pump mounting studs.

They should also take care of the cam plug too.

P.S. Like Dave has said below, 2nd opinion is called for!

Regards
Volkenstein

[hercdriver]

I had an oil leak this past year and was told that the engine case was cracked.  The cost the garage quoted was $1,200 just for the case, never mind labor.  As there are other small issues with the engine, I am considering replacing the whole engine.   Here's the question - Is/was there a specific engine made for the Autostick or are they all the same?  I have heard varying opinions, even from people who sell VW engines.

While I'm asking, anything I should share with the mechanic who will do the work?that  (haven't identified one yet - still interviewing people for the position - ha ha).  And a recommendation of where to order an engine from?  I.e. MidAmerica...

Thanks.

Hey Chick,

Something sounds wrong. First off a case should cost no where near $1,200. Maybe you meant the whole engine rebuilt. I won't go too far into advice, since there are other members on the forum with much greater rebuild expertise. What I will do is give you a few ideas to bounce around.

1. How bad is the leak? Bad enough to burn the engine up? Or just a few spots left on the driveway? I think a second opinion is in order if you're not comfortable making your own determination.

2. The case itself is only a $75 used to $600 new.

3. If you're talking about a complete rebuild, they start about $1,200 and go to about $2,000 for a stock rebuild.

4. If you do decide to do the rebuild, you have a shop nearby that was "THE" place on the east coast. The owner "Boston Bob" has passed away, but his shop still lives on. You'll have to ask around if they still have his level of detail. Here's a link to their web site.  
http://www.bostonengine.com/home.html

5. The autostick stuff is easy and any builder should be able to handle the small differences. Essentially you have a different oil pump and a flex plate vs. a fly wheel.

6. Take your time and research the process. Bookwus has a great write up on an autostick rebuild on this site.
http://www.vwar.org/forum/index.php?topic=713.msg5664#msg5664

Hope that helps,
Dave

[Bookwus]

Hiya GC,

I first ran into your question over at TS and gave you an answer there.

If you'd like some more info on rebuilders zap me a p-mail.  I'd discuss this in an open forum but there are some aspects of discussing the rebuilding business which are better kept private.  No big secrets here, just messy stuff.

[GhiaChick]

You guys are awesome!  Thanks for the advice.  These are valuable pieces of info to share with the mechanic who will do my work.  Also, I will definitely check out the Boston site.  I will take a look at the engine type and post it here - may be a few days - it is parked off our property. 

Re:  nature of oil leak - It is a bit more than a few spot in the driveway.  It has become a good size circle of oil each time it is parked (8 in. or so).  The person I bought it from said the leak has been there for a couple years and that he just made sure he adds oil each time and that has worked.  I am not exactly driving it long distances--it is my local, lazy road, sunny day car.  But, as I have the means to take care of it, I thought it might be worth it to just do it right rather than take a chance that it has enough oil.  Any thoughts on this are welcome.

Re: the cost of the case - Oh yeah! Total rip off.  They wanted $1,200 for the case and another $1,200 plus for labor.   I laughed, told them to put my old case back in, and I picked up my car the next day.  I had priced cases on my own and the most glitsy model, just short of being gold plated, was no more than $500.  There are only a handful of experienced foreign/antique auto mechanics in the area, so they have a grip on us. 

Thanks again.  So glad I found this site. 

Ghia Chick (in New England) patiently awaiting spring days warm enough to bring my baby out of the garage :-)

[Bookwus]

Hiya GC,

I'd urge you to take your car to a reputable VW oriented mechanic and have him evaluate your present engine.  VW engines are pretty notorious for leaking oil.  What you have seems to be excessive but leaks are pretty common.  Who was it that told you your case was cracked?  Do you trust their judgement?  Perhaps the solution to your problem is simply replacing a gasket or retorqueing the heads.  It seems to me that replacing the engine MAY not be called for.  Just a thought from what I have so far read.

[GhiaChick]

Hi,

Source of leak is indeed the case.  The guy I bought it from told me about it.  He used an experienced VW mechanic who had diagnosed it--last owner was content to just keep it filled with oil vs. having the engine taken out/apart.   He sold me many extra parts with the car (I could practically open a store - ha ha) one of which was an extra case.  I went to have it put in, but it was discovered that there was a broken piece inside one of the ports.  I had him seal the old one the best he could and put it back in vs. paying his nutty price for a new one.  Still leaks, not as bad, but the seal will wear with heat, use and time, and it will go back to dripping too much. 

Figure I just want to have it fixed properly.  I know Beetles/Ghia almost always have some small drip, especially a '69, but this is just a bit over the top.

Should I buy a case through a reputable VW mechanic who will do the work or find one on my own?  Sources?

[Bookwus]

Hiya GC,

..........Should I buy a case through a reputable VW mechanic who will do the work or find one on my own?

You are probably much better off by finding a good rebuilder.  Then let him source his own parts.  Since he puts together good engines he'll know where to go for good parts.  He probably already has much of what he might need on his shelf already.

Sources?

A good solid rebuilder in the Mass. area was Boston Bob.  Unfortunately, Bob died not too long ago. His business, Boston Engine, has been carried on by his employees.  I bought an AS engine from Bob (just before he passed away) and it was a quality job.  You might want to check with Boston Engine.  Take a look at their website at.........http://www.bostonengine.com/enginepricelist.html

[GhiaChick]

Great!  Two sources within Mass.  I'll check in with both of them next week :-)

Thanks again.

GC