AboutRon Wolff Expertise I am proficient in the following areas of VW Air Cooled Models from 1968-1979:
Vehicles: Super Beetle, Beetle, Thing, Karmann Ghia, Bus, Westfalia/Bus
Areas of expertise years 1968-1979
Engine Rebuild advice for all air cooled engines
VW Brake system replacement
Automatic Stickshift transmission
VW KOOL and DPD air conditioning systems (ex. thing)
Westfalia Electrical system dual battery
Westy Refridge Repair
Westy Cabinet Repair
Westy
AFC Fuel Injection system (1975 bugs) (1975 bus/Westys)
Soundproofing
General type 4 engine rebuild/technical data (i.e. 1.7 ltr, 1.8., 2.0) for buses
VW Air Cooled Beetle and Bus Paint codes
VW Distributor Compatibility Information
Westy component repair
Emission Systems
Exhaust Systems
General Electric System
Door rebuild (windows, seals, vent windows)
Body Panel Removal and general repair (non-welded)
Charging System
Convertible top Installation: Beetle
CV joints
Engine Troubleshooting
Valve Train
Non areas of expertise:
High Performance Modifications
Front end related components
Rear suspension (spring plate adjustment)
Bodywork / painting
Experience
Past/Present clients I often contribute to the westfalia users group technical boards. I have been a member for about 4 years. My usermame is 76Heatwagen
I restore vintage Volkswagens and currently own 4 of them.
Expert: Ron Wolff Date: 9/6/2007 Subject: rubber cam plug in vw magnisium engine
Question I recently had my 2022 cc engine (73 Thing)serviced for a oil leak problem and the mechanic stated he had forgot to "paint" both sides of a metal cam plug before he installed it on a rebuild. he said he inseerted a rubber plug as a replacement (to keep from having to split the engine). I was told the rubber was only for aluminum engines by another mechanic. Did my mechanic leave me with an oil leak time bomb?
Answer Johnny,
An aftermarket engine that size should not have a rubber plug separating the end of the camshaft from the open air. In time, the heat will expand and contract the rubber and create a problem.
The engine should be fixed correctly with a metal-based plug. The entire perimeter of the plug should be coated with aviation cement put in the case.
I wish I had a better solution, however, you are taking a big chance on that motor. The case should be split to properly repair this.
