Oil change on xB - pitfalls and tricks

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Jan 7, 2005 | 02:43 PM

#21

jermdoc

Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2004

Posts: 16

From: PHILLY

What is the dimentions of the oil screw to drain the main oil?

Jan 8, 2005 | 11:03 AM

#22

hotbox05

Senior Member

SL Member
Team N.V.S.

Joined: Sep 2004

Posts: 13,706

From: Sacramento, CA / Nor*Cal

Quote:

Originally Posted by George

Quote:

Originally Posted by FModFTD

Quote:

I've had aircooled VWs of all varieties, from nearly-new to beaters. They all run pretty well, though and never let me down. The neat thing about these cars is that they tend to get better the longer I own them. Even my "urban assault vehicle" (a '69 bug with wrinkled fenders and more surface rust than paint) cruises at 75 on the freeway and feels nice and stable.

Wow, I didn't think there were any other Scion guys that have air cooled VWs. My toy is a Formula Vee set up for autocross. 120 hp in an 850 lb car is quite the kick in the pants.

The motor was built in 1999, so is it about time for a rebuild? I think there might be a head gasket leak. Is it possible to find a good shop that can rebuild one pretty cheap, or is it too old school?

IIRC, Formula Vee rules require a single-port engine built to some rather stringent specs. While just about any Type-1 engine will fit, but I'm not sure that it would be legal for competition. A brand-new 1600 dual port engine can be had for about $1500 or so. Most VW engines don't have head gaskets at all. The head just sits on the cylinder sleeve. Your heads might just need torqing. Torque to spec, and not a foot-pound more!

The VW aftermarket is strong, but has its good and bad parts and vendors. Unfortunately, a part labeled "Germany" is no longer a guarantee of value. Some of the best new Solex carburators are now made in China! You really need to hook up with some savvy friends to separate the trash from the good. With engines, stay away from the "big magazine ad" rebuilders like GEX. You get what you pay for, so a $500 "rebuild" will seldom satisfy.

George

if you are looking to cheap out u better be able to know which parts are good and which are not and then do it your own self. then only person to blame is ones self , besides veedubs r fun and easy to work on.