[T3] Engine Rattling.... Update...

[Keith Park]

Its not the end play, I ran an engine with .060 once because the thrust
surface on the #1 main was shot (the amzoil motor)and it went 10Kmi that
way.

My engine now has 126K on it, and the end play was .009 when it has 110K on
it, still going strong but Im gentle with it now.

Keith


Top Notch Restorations
topnotch at nycap.rr.com 
http://www.a383ina68.addr.com/radiorest/main.htm
71 Squareback "Hothe"
65 Notchback "El Baja Rojo"
65 Squareback "Eggcrate"
87 golf "Winterat"
93 RX7 "Redstur"


-----Original Message-----
From: type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org
[mailto:type3-vwtype3.org-bounces at lists.vwtype3.org] On Behalf Of J. Jonik
Sent: Friday, May 25, 2012 6:17 PM
To: type3 at vwtype3.org
Subject: [T3] Engine Rattling.... Update...

Re/  71 sqbk FI Std shift....with a seemingly worsening rattle in engine
area.

A  good diagnosis and explanation came in over the phone from a mechanic
who's worked on the old bombs for decades. He knew just the sound I
described...tinny, like a rattle-snake, when changing  gears and at
idle...not when driving steadily.

Yes...(as explained here not too long ago) it's about too much play in the
crank shaft, as seen by moving the fan pulley in and out.   It's largely
about old age of the engine....as the bearing dowel holes in the case have
gotten a bit elongated and are not holding the bearings, and the crank,
snugly any more.  How four dowel holes can wear out is a mystery.
  He figures the case is shot.   But, to be picky, a few more questions...

* Exactly what thin-sounding metal parts are rattling together?  
*  Any chance it's not the case, but the bearing shells? Or do both dowel
holes get out-of-shape at once?
*  No leaks from oil seal...yet....but will that be drastic (can't drive
home) or gradual?
*  Engine does not have as many miles on it as some others.  This one had
only 60 thou, or less, when I got it...and I may have put that much again on
it  AFTER new pistons and cylinders.  What is normal life span vis a vis
mileage?  Or does this have anything to do with careless assembly ten years
ago, or bad driving practices?
*  Would it have helped if case nuts (top and bottom, front and back) were
checked and re-torqued (if needed) every so often?  (Don't know yet if they
aren't as tight as should be.)

    I have a spare engine in '73 parts car.  I haven't checked its
crankshaft play yet.  Fingers crossed.  Didn't rattle when I parked it ten
years ago.

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