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Wed Apr 04, 2012 3:44 pm

Does anyone have a worksheet that they use when they build a motor? Something they use as a guide from start to finish. The order is which you assemble the case and accessories. I'm starting with all new parts, I have a few books that outline it but I would like to see if any of the builders have a shhet they keep in their shop as a quick refrence.

Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:16 pm

Prepare to dodge the tomatos being thrown.

John Muir's Idiot Manual is written in the manner you desire, from start to finish, disassembly back thru assembly, it covers in order every step.

Wed Apr 04, 2012 4:19 pm

I actually have that book and have read through it a few times. On a previous build thread I saw a few people mention a buildsheet that they keep laminated in their shop as a backup.

Wed Apr 04, 2012 6:27 pm

I have a torque value sheet but no specific build sheet .

Wed Apr 04, 2012 6:40 pm

I found this a while back. I did not create the document, and I wish I knew who did so I could credit them. It's an Excel spreadsheet, and it will tally up the expense of all parts, etc. (Scary when you do this! :cry:)

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B_B0YN9JWY5tczhialhHQXhRaFdhMFQxdlJ3SUl1dw

You can download it if you click on the "File" button at the top of the page.

You should also get a copy of "How to Rebuild Your Volkswagen Air-Cooled Engine" by Tom Wilson.

Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:10 pm

wasn't someone just asking to make that blueprinting/build checklist a sticky?

Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:21 pm

tattooed_pariah wrote: wasn't someone just asking to make that blueprinting/build checklist a sticky?

Not sure, but it came in handy for my build last year.

Wed Apr 04, 2012 9:52 pm

Tom Wilson's book is the best I've seen for actually explaining the order of installation, if you've never built an engine before...or not recently. He points out common mistakes of beginner's, such as forgetting to install the pulley tin prior to the pulley, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Rebuild-Volkswagen-air-Coole...amp;sr=8-1

You can find this book in almost any bookstore as well.

Wed Apr 04, 2012 11:41 pm

+2 for the how to rebuild a VW book. Lays it out plain and simple. Oder of assembly with correct torque specs. If ya have further questions than consult the kind folks on Samba.

Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:31 am

I would think that the books should cover it; as mentioned, and you could basicaly derive your own check list from those. Not being a jerk but I think that some peoples lists may be proprietary since that is kind of where the "Recipe" comes into play when it comes to who is a good builder and who is't. My Check list is for performance engines where many operations won't need to be done to a stock or even mildy modified engine. It may only confuse you for your needs. I am sure somone has one that is common builders knowledge just layed out in an excel sheet for you. If you have specific questions about assembly I am sure they can be answered here by many. Good luck.

Thu Apr 05, 2012 7:05 am

Something I do when I'm daydreaming about actually having money and being able to buy parts for my next build, is imagine the engine running..

Figure if you start at the flywheel, the next piece that moves is the CRANK, which spins the RODS, moving the PISTONS through the CYLINDERS, against the HEADS.

The CRANK will also spin the CAM, which makes the LIFTERS move and opens and closes the valves because of the ROCKER ARMS.

The CRANK also spins the DISTRIBUTOR, which gets it's spark from the COIL and sends it out the SPARK PLUGS

Now, that little method leaves out a LOT of parts I know, but all the capitalized things are most of the big purchase items you need for building an engine.. :D

Thu Apr 05, 2012 7:16 am

it just occurred to me that my method of making a mental checklist is essentially an ACVW version of, "the hand bone's connected to the wrist bone! the wrist bone's connected to the arm bone!"

hahahaha

Thu Apr 05, 2012 7:22 am

neil68 wrote: Tom Wilson's book is the best I've seen for actually explaining the order of installation, if you've never built an engine before...or not recently. He points out common mistakes of beginner's, such as forgetting to install the pulley tin prior to the pulley, etc.

http://www.amazon.com/Rebuild-Volkswagen-air-Coole...amp;sr=8-1

You can find this book in almost any bookstore as well.

This. I have used this book for both a type I rebuild and a type IV. Just started the type I up yesterday and it runs GREAT!

What I did for my first was read the book twice before even starting, cover to cover. Then, as I built, I followed the book. Then, when I was done for the day, I reread the parts I just completed. If I forgot something or was not confident in my execution, I tore it down and redid it. In all, I think Ive read the book 7 or 8 times. Now, I can just reference it for torque specs etc and I dont really need to read it word for word anymore while doing the build.

Thu Apr 05, 2012 8:03 am

I just finished ordering almost all parts for my build of a 1955.

What I did was start a Word document and then shopped for all the parts I could think of between a few trusted websites. When I decided which one to get I put it in the document.

The bulk of the 'shopping' was done in a day but it was at least a month before I ordered anything. If later I though of something, I would shop for it then add it to the list.

As of yesterday, I have ordered everything up to and including break-in oil, except for cylinder and flywheel shims.

Take your time, think about it and don't be in a hurry. An engine is a big purchase for me and I have had a lot of time to think about it.

Thu Apr 05, 2012 8:11 am

Solid Advice Busmania. That's the method I learned by years ago.
Force it in there and make it stick then it's just reference torque specs if you need to.

Thu Apr 05, 2012 8:14 am

Tom Wilson's book is good if you can get past his white grease fetish.

Thu Apr 05, 2012 9:22 am

DarthWeber wrote: Tom Wilson's book is good if you can get past his white grease fetish.

:lol: I dunno why, but this made me laugh so hard I almost spilled my drink. I like moly myself, and save the white grease for the oil pump.

Thu Apr 05, 2012 12:19 pm

tattooed_pariah wrote: wasn't someone just asking to make that blueprinting/build checklist a sticky?

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=493320&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

while this is more for measuring and checking all your parts, it does list the big ticket items you need to build an engine..