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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Best type 4 engine rebuild book or guide?
Posted by: Tdskip Apr 26 2019, 08:02 AM
Looking to learn more about our engines, I've found rebuild guides to be a great resources on some of my other cars.
Is there a go-to source for these you can recommend?
Thanks!
Posted by: Beebo Kanelle Apr 26 2019, 08:12 AM
Mr. Raby's "Type 4 Rebuild DVD" is an excellent primer if you're completely unfamiliar the the Type 4 engine... at least it was for me.
In fact, it's great if you have no intention of rebuilding, but instead just want to learn.
Posted by: JOEPROPER Apr 26 2019, 09:13 AM
Mr. Raby's "Type 4 Rebuild DVD" is an excellent primer if you're completely unfamiliar the the Type 4 engine... at least it was for me.
In fact, if great if you have no intention of rebuilding, but instead just want to learn.
+1 on the Jake Raby video.
Posted by: mgphoto Apr 26 2019, 09:47 AM
Wilson VW engine rebuild book is great, a lot of type 1 info but a good amount of type 4, both engines are very similar. There is a VW engine hot rod book by the same publisher, lots of formula Vee stuff.
Jakes video is really good but the sealant technology has changed dramatically.
Posted by: 914Sixer Apr 26 2019, 09:49 AM
If you want a book that will really give you all the background information, Tom Wilson's book covers it all. It does a a side by side comparison of each type of VW engine. Great learning curve. Breaks type 4 engines down to show what is common. Notes on what makes the 914 different. Then it will tell you how to put it together.
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Posted by: maf914 Apr 26 2019, 09:58 AM
In the pre internet days I rebuilt my Type 4 engine using the Hayne's 914 manual, Clymer 914 manual, and Tom Wilson's VW Aircooled Engine book. Now we have the internet and Jake Raby's Type 4 CD.
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Posted by: maf914 Apr 26 2019, 10:00 AM
I wonder why my attachments stacked horizontally and not vertically? First time this has happened for me.
Posted by: Tdskip Apr 26 2019, 10:44 AM
Thanks gentlemen!
Posted by: cashiersjm Apr 26 2019, 11:10 AM
Does Jake Raby still sell the video or where can it be purchased?
Posted by: rhodyguy Apr 26 2019, 11:12 AM
Bug Me Video.
Posted by: bbrock Apr 26 2019, 11:17 AM
Just a quick word as someone who has used both Haynes and Tom Wilson's books to rebuild engines. The Haynes is barely adequate to get the job done and is missing some stuff that you may regret not knowing later (like reusing old valves might grenade your engine 
). Wilson's book is WAY better but lacks some information I've learned from this group about things that contribute to a quality build. Things like decking the case to make sure cylinder registers are even and perpendicular to the crank, and cc'ing heads for getting the compression ratio you want when setting deck height.
I'm not knocking those books. They are great (especially Wilson's book). I just wanted to share my experience of what was missing that I wish I had known.
Posted by: Superhawk996 Apr 26 2019, 11:52 AM
Just a quick word as someone who has used both Haynes and Tom Wilson's books to rebuild engines. The Haynes is barely adequate to get the job done and is missing some stuff that you may regret not knowing later (like reusing old valves might grenade your engine
). Wilson's book is WAY better but lacks some information I've learned from this group about things that contribute to a quality build. Things like decking the case to make sure cylinder registers are even and perpendicular to the crank, and cc'ing heads for getting the compression ratio you want when setting deck height.I'm not knocking those books. They are great (especially Wilson's book). I just wanted to share my experience of what was missing that I wish I had known.
Agree - recommend both books. However, remember VW's are notoriously robust engines. The points you make differentiate a great rebuild from an average one.
I used both books referenced when I rebuilt my 1.7L to a 1.9L back in early 90' or 91' and didn't put in the attention to detail ( like decking the case, line boring, etc) and my engine went about 80,000 miles with no issues. Tough little buggers!
I had a early 70's VW bug (flat windshield) with a type 1 engine. Bought it for $50. After a few months of owning and driving it, at the gas station I noticed a huge puddle of oil had formed under it. Looked under it. No source of oil leakage. What the heck?
Started it and then looked under it. One of the cylinders was moving back and forth and when it moved out from the case, oil was leaking like mad.
Popped off the valve cover, tightened the bottom four cylinder head nuts. The top 4 can't be reached without pulling the tin so I had no choice but to leave them.
Being poor, in college, and lacking a place to properly fix it, I drove it several thousand miles with only the bottom 4 bolts tight. No more oil leaks. down on power some but it ran pretty darn good for about a year before I finally dropped the engine. Even then I just tightened up the upper head nuts and then ran it another couple thousand miles before I finally sold it for $75.00 to a guy that was using it for a sand rail donor.
Moral of the story - tough little buggers!
Posted by: Dave_Darling Apr 26 2019, 11:56 AM
They're all good, but none is perfect. If nothing else, they were written a while ago, and the parts have gotten older and technology has gotten better. And more expensive in many ways.
One part of Wilson's book that was particularly confusing to me is where he talks about the cam timing marks. He addresses all of the engines in one paragraph, which makes it very easy to mix up what you're reading. You can cross-check with the Haynes manual or just remember that the one marked tooth on the one gear goes in between the two marked teeth on the other gear...
The Raby video is pretty good for showing you what happens when you have no surprises, and when a team of elves gets everything cleaned up and prepped ahead of time. Then again, the video would be about thirty hours long if he showed us all of the various "surprises" he found, and another forty hours long if he showed all of the cleaning and prep... 
Combine a couple of the above-mentioned sources with this forum, though, and it should work out pretty well.
--DD
Posted by: bbrock Apr 26 2019, 02:48 PM
Agree - recommend both books. However, remember VW's are notoriously robust engines. The points you make differentiate a great rebuild from an average one.
Absolutely! and as fantastic as it is, Internet advice sometimes leans toward dogmatic which makes it difficult for a dummy like me to know what must be done for any decent build and understanding the benefits and trade-offs of the other things. I could expand on this with examples but won't.
Posted by: Tdskip Apr 27 2019, 06:16 AM
Ordered Wilson’s book, should make for some good reading.
Thanks!
Posted by: fixer34 Apr 27 2019, 11:21 AM
Back in my VW days (late 60's/early 70's) I always had John Muir's book handy. Not much on pictures, but the non-technical way he explained everything was pretty cool. I still have that book around someplace.
Posted by: settador Apr 28 2019, 12:05 PM
Wilson's book, John Muir's idiot guide, and a shop manual.
In 2005 a guy here on 914 world named Mike Rose sent me a complete shop manual, including schematics and fuel injection, on a CD. Didn't ask for a penny in return, so I burned him a CD of "driving music" and sent it to him. I have the info in a file on my computer and I'm happy to pay it forward if anyone is interested.
Posted by: Jake Raby May 23 2019, 10:10 AM
I've contemplated doing a new T4 rebuild video. The original that I did 20 years ago is very dated. It was also more geared toward the VW bus, than the 914.
With today's technology, we can do a lot more than was possible 20 years ago.
Posted by: doug_b_928 May 23 2019, 10:21 AM
I purchased, and plan to use, your video. It would be great if you do a new one or provide an update of what those of us who have the video could/should do differently than what you did in the video.
Posted by: Tdskip May 23 2019, 11:18 AM
I’d order an updated version too - I think quite a few of us will.
Posted by: mepstein May 23 2019, 11:37 AM
I've contemplated doing a new T4 rebuild video. The original that I did 20 years ago is very dated. It was also more geared toward the VW bus, than the 914.
With today's technology, we can do a lot more than was possible 20 years ago.
I purchased it and even though never did a rebuild, I learned a lot. I would buy a new version.
Posted by: Archie May 23 2019, 11:57 AM
Back in my VW days (late 60's/early 70's) I always had John Muir's book handy. Not much on pictures, but the non-technical way he explained everything was pretty cool. I still have that book around someplace.
I'll second the recommendation for John Muir's book! As you say, a bit light on illustrations but written so that even I can understand it!
Posted by: yeahmag May 23 2019, 12:16 PM
@Jake Raby I'd totally buy an updated one too. I've had lots of luck building motors with the old one!
Posted by: Beebo Kanelle May 23 2019, 12:25 PM
I've contemplated doing a new T4 rebuild video. The original that I did 20 years ago is very dated. It was also more geared toward the VW bus, than the 914.
With today's technology, we can do a lot more than was possible 20 years ago.
If an updated video is released, be sure and let us know...
Posted by: Jake Raby May 24 2019, 05:15 PM
If I decide to do it, I’ll make sure to let you guys know.
This time it makes sense to do a performance engine.
Maybe I’ll see if Charles wants me to assemble a Type 4 Store engine kit.
Posted by: mepstein May 24 2019, 05:38 PM
If I decide to do it, I’ll make sure to let you guys know.
This time it makes sense to do a performance engine.
Maybe I’ll see if Charles wants me to assemble a Type 4 Store engine kit.
That would be cool.
Posted by: Tjmrfe May 24 2019, 09:34 PM
Wilson's book, John Muir's idiot guide, and a shop manual.
In 2005 a guy here on 914 world named Mike Rose sent me a complete shop manual, including schematics and fuel injection, on a CD. Didn't ask for a penny in return, so I burned him a CD of "driving music" and sent it to him. I have the info in a file on my computer and I'm happy to pay it forward if anyone is interested.
Hi, I’m just getting ready to drop my 1.8 and if you can, I’d gladly compensate for any cost or time, but would love any help as well...
Thanks.
Posted by: fiacra May 25 2019, 11:18 AM
I've contemplated doing a new T4 rebuild video. The original that I did 20 years ago is very dated. It was also more geared toward the VW bus, than the 914.
With today's technology, we can do a lot more than was possible 20 years ago.
Bought the whole Bug Me series and I love it. Have a chronic VW disease, with a superinfection of 914s! PLEASE do a new T4 rebuild video
. I'll even order in advance.
Posted by: 914-Kazoo Feb 14 2022, 07:59 PM
The three best sources for Type 4 engine rebuild are
1. Tom Wilson - How to Rebuild Your VW Engine
2. Jack Raby's - DVD on Type 4 Rebuild (www.bugmevideo.com)
3. Ian Karr - Youtube videos on engine rebuild
Posted by: Al Meredith Feb 15 2022, 09:51 AM
I've used Wilson's book for years and it is dog eared and filthy IE well used. AL
Posted by: friethmiller Feb 15 2022, 10:27 AM
@Jake Raby - I purchased/watched your "20 year old video" and found it a great help in rebuilding my 1.8L into a 2.3L. Thanks! It wasn't my only source but it provided a great deal of rebuild information on the type 4. With all that said, I would definitely be interested in a 914-centric build video. Ya see, I have two 1.7L engines sitting in my shed 
The products on the market today are different (i.e. sealants, oil pumps, other simple mods, etc). Note: I didn't say "improved".
Posted by: 930cabman Feb 15 2022, 12:12 PM
I have the Wilson, Clymer, Haynes and the factory manual books. My vote for last place goes to the factory manual.
Posted by: mihai914 Feb 15 2022, 12:30 PM
I have the Wilson, Clymer, Haynes and the factory manual books. My vote for last place goes to the factory manual.
Don't forget the factory manual is intended for technicians and probably went along with training. Shops who rebuild our engines refer to the factory manual for specs and diagrams and not for rebuild techniques.
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