The “wavy” washer failure is what causes the “hairpin” rocker retainer to snap. That’s the problem I encountered with my 1776 MOFOCO motor.
The wavy washers fail because they are old and can’t take the stress of stiffer valve springs or higher lift cams. The “high” spots on the washer wear, the washer comes apart and the rocker arm play slams the…[Read more]

Possibly great news for you!  I was talking to my VW guru (Happys VW in New Albany Indiana).  He told me that there are washers on either side of the rocker arm.  One is wavy and one is solid.  If the wavy washer wears out, it allows transverse travel of the rocker arm and it will let the rocker arm move enough to let the pushrod fall out.  The…[Read more]

That’d be the aluminum thermos we transferred the Pimm’s to when I heard that glass bottles weren’t allowed on the field. But I am also glad to see you.

What’s that in Ed’s right hand ?

What the heck is that thing doing there? 

I’m home and can’t say enough about the weekend. What a good time. Even though Ally was being tempermental. You guys were great. Schu even got to assist me pushing Ally home from our ride as well as pulling her to show field. Thanks again. The answer is….
I pulled the tank filter, not bad cleaned tank as best as possible, the tank appears to be…[Read more]

Richard,
Dropped of Monday night – Wayne said to check w/ him on Saturday and see
what is up. He has to order rebuild kits for the carbs and do the work, so
could be a few days. The set w/o the filters was missing the part where you
you hook up the throttle – do you have those laying around somewhere or
are they just missing?
I may be going to the…[Read more]

If the valve stem bent and wedged itself in the valve guide it would hang the valve open with the head of the valve missing.
The most common failure with valves aren’t the valves, but the seats coming out.
A loose rocker causing the pushrod to come out of it’s cup would not bend a valve…it would just stay shut and make a racket with pushrod get…[Read more]

Duh. Um, no. I didn’t think to do that! But I will.
It’s likely not the issue. If the valve had broken off, I don’t think the valve spring would be compressed the way it is.

Hi Paul,
Probably an obvious one, but have you pulled the plugs? My experience with VWs is dated but extensive. The most common engine failure I encountered was “swallowing a Valve head” This is clearly a worst case scenario in which the top of the valve breaks off destroying the spark plug and compression chamber and eventually driving a hole…[Read more]

dbrock
I also have a speedo;black face with chome trim.
send me an email at
scottandlynne@sbcglobal.net
if interested and more details

I did send it, let me know if their was a problem.  I have not previously used the “private communications”.

Good idea Mark. I posted my story on thesamba.com
The first responder agrees it sounds like a bent valve. PMOSSBERG40323.6362384259

That, indeed, is a mystery.
The valve is solidly retained by the clip. Rocker arms and shaft are fine.
The spring “looks” ok. But like I wrote, it is slightly compressed (about a quarter inch or so).
It’s possible a really loose rocker arm/valve combo could let the push-rod slip out of it’s cup. But even if that happened, it does not help explain…[Read more]

Wow Paul…first class bummer . At least the engine is easier to remove from a TD replica than a real Beetle. I don’t think you can pull the head far enough off the studs with only 3″ – 4″ of clearance.
That’s a good thought about a bent valve, but what made it get that way? Did the seat come loose and hang it open for the piston to smack? Did a…[Read more]

In case you did not get it from one of the SOC guys, this is the speedster forum:http://www.speedsterowners.com/main.asp

Hey I wish I was retired too!Richard…just from eyeballing the pictures…the pan has not yet been shortened. And the front end looks pretty rusted. Only visible suspension component is the front beam and that has been stripped bare of even the grease fittings. No visible torsion bars, no upper or lower control arms. Ad already says no engine or…[Read more]

Rich, I thought you’d spot that one! Looks like a lot of work, and I’m not completely sure about that pan he’s including. But you’re right, they’re out there.Paul: wish I was retired; I’d drive up there and help/watch you do that motor. Even if it’s just new heads, it’d be a valuable lesson for me.

Thanks

I’m done work for the day and had time to search for a speedy
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Porsche-356-356-SPEEDSTER-REP LICA-/170488244798?cmd=ViewItem&pt=US_Cars_Trucks&ha sh=item27b1e42a3e