JBugs - 1971 VW Super Beetle - Engine Build Series - Top End Assembly

[@jorgeborrego3373]

Great set of videos, thanks. One note, if you install steel shims on the bottom of the cylinder plus copper shims on the top of the cylinder you will end up with much lower than the 8.25:1 you are looking for.

[@Sam_Mebane]

In some circumstances, yes. This engine has a 74mm crank so the compression ratio was set with the top and bottom shims in place. Both were needed to keep the piston from hitting the head, due to the 5mm longer stroke.

[@advance140]

This series has brought back many great memories, as I have rebuilt many of these back in the 70's. Thank you for doing such a great job!!!

[@kurtzeitz1551]

L⏺

[@kennethbrown8864]

Good job thank you very much

[@CTmoog]

Another great video guys! Thank you

[@daos3300]

polished rocker covers are a great way to reflect heat back into the heads.

[@thestove2407]

There is not much oil in the covers, not enough to make enough difference to make or break an overheating issue.

[@ericoluiz911]

Great vid! Greetings from Brazil :)

[@robharris9656]

I love the information in these videos Really well done. only suggestion is your host should learn to speak normally instead of speaking like hes reading a script (which Im sure he is lol) it just doesnt sound natural

[@Sam_Mebane]

The "host" is the guy doing the work. I use a script to slow me down as when I did talk naturally, people complained that I spoke too fast. Sorry, I'm a VW hobbyist, not a professional voice actor.

[@farukmulaku3519]

Hi, Thank you for a such great videos, explaining how to put together the air-cooled engine. My question is, is it OK instead cooper rings between engine heads and cylinders to put aluminum rings? Thank You,

[@Sam_Mebane]

If you can find them, sure, the stock head is aluminum. Just keep in mind aluminum is softer than copper and will compress more. That would be very important if your cylinders stick up out of the cylinder slightly. Make sure the rings won't compress and overhang the edge of the cylinder.

[@farukmulaku3519]

@@Sam_Mebane Thanx so much Sam, I appreciate! Best regards,

[@cadincaldwell2637]

Can you guys make a vid on how to do a front disk brake conversion install?

[@JBugsVWParts]

We have done drop spindle link pin and a ball joint disc brake conversion videos, more will be coming though, so stay tuned!

[@SkaBob]

I saw that normally heads go on with no gasket or seal, is the copper seal you are using to adjust compression ? And if you are reusing heads are they normally resurfaced or just bolted back on ?

[@Sam_Mebane]

The copper rings are used to adjust the compression but they do help seal the head as well. VW heads aren't typically resurfaced, but some builders will cut them to adjust deck height, compression ratio, etc.

[@farukmulaku3519]

The compression is good, There was a leak between heads and cylinders and I thought to use the rings as seal. The rings are not copper, they are aluminum rings! Heads are not resurfaced, I will put them back the same one. Thank you for your support!

[@HondaRidea]

I have (4) single exhaust on my 1600 and the 3rd cylinder has white smoke puffing from it, is that worn piston rings? Im going to purchase a compression checker soon to test them

[@martinharris5017]

Sounds like rings, only investigation will confirm.

[@Sam_Mebane]

It is most likely worn rings. Cylinder #3 does run hotter than the rest of the cylinders typically so other issues might be causing the smoke as well. Tearing down the engine is the only way to confirm what the issue is.

[@chesterumana9779]

What torque size you recommend 3/8 or 1/2 torque wrench?

[@Sam_Mebane]

It depends on what you'll be torquing down. Typically for VW engines a 3/8" wrench is preferred.

[@luzbelemhafley207]

How do I cut out the space to install a vintage radio for a 71 bug?

[@luzbelemhafley207]

I'm purchasing my radio from J Bugs.

[@Sam_Mebane]

Installing a vintage radio usually means that the radio should fit the stock opening in the Beetle. Otherwise it would be considered a modern radio. Either way, cutting the radio opening is easiest with a small jig saw. Most installers would use an air powered body saw.

[@Sam_Mebane]

@@luzbelemhafley207 our radios don't require any cutting.