"Are they reliable?"
Hello Derek
As others have said, the VW is as reliable as the sum of the parts used. I
ran my first VW engine 20 years without opening the case. It was a type 4.
Most will say it is tougher, but heaver then the other VW engines, and not
as many parts are available in the aftermarket world for it. Some parts
suppliers sell cheap parts for all the VW engines and this is where the lack
of quality affects reliability. I purchased an engine from someone with a
reputation for constructing good engines and found that he used cheap parts,
one of which failed while I was in the air. Any used engine that you buy,
must be examined by a qualified person. As for junk yard engines, the parts
may be good, but have to be inspected and tested by qualified persons. For
example the crankshaft, they can be measured and magnafluxed and can be
perfectly good. Engine cases can be checked in a similar manner and can be
reconditioned and used over and over. As everyone else says, cheap has a
reason. Shop around and you may catch an engine forsale from one of the
major suppliers being sold as part of a project for sale.
Orma
Southfield, MI
N110LR celebrating 20 years
Flying, flying and more flying
http://www.kr-2.aviation-mechanics.com/
