Newbie

Piper · Post by **Piper** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 5:42 pm

So I'm new to all of this VW stuff, let alone being one of my few friends running a water boxer. What do I need to know about this engine? I'm running the 1.9 in my 83 Westy, it runs well, gets good mileage, and I love having heat when my air cooled buddies are scrapng the inside of their windows on cool spring evenings. Is there anything I need to know about regular maintence vs my daily driver? The air cooled guys seem to think the 1.9 is a dog.

Pillow · Post by **Pillow** » Wed Jul 11, 2007 7:48 pm

Keep the coolant well maintained. Watch for head gasket leaks if the coolant has been neglected.

Other than that they are a very tough motor.

Piper · Post by **Piper** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 7:17 pm

Ok thanks, thats good to hear! What about timeing belts/chains? Whats the deal, does it need changing every 100, 000 kilometers?

Post by **Piledriver** » Mon Jul 16, 2007 9:32 pm

No timing belt direct gear drive, but the motor probably is due for a rebuild at ~ <150K miles. (rebuilt rods, anyway, freshen up the heads etc)

The rods big ends loosen up.

I'm trying something to combat that (4130 CrMo rods, modded CB Unitech+) , but it may be years before I can say if it helped or not.
(Hopefully never)

Piper · Post by **Piper** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 6:59 pm

yeah, I'm edging up towards 250 000 km, so I know it'll need some interior work soon, I'm hoping she'll wait another season for next winter, when shes off the road for a few months. Thanks guys!

Post by **Piledriver** » Wed Jul 18, 2007 11:40 pm

1.9 is better, but when they do let go, it's usually terminal. (rod ventilated case etc)

Piper · Post by **Piper** » Thu Jul 19, 2007 7:16 pm

yeah...I guess at that point I'd be in the conversion perversions section trying to decide to replace the 1.9 or go Subaru, or whatever. I'm happy with her now, and just taking it easy, no hard take offs, keeping her around 95 kph (55mph) and such. Hopefully that works for now. Thanks for your help!