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Identifying Engine

FM Former Member
My question is how do I identify what type of (type 1) engine I have, and does it really have hydraulic lifters.

First let me say as a new owner, I am really impressed by the expertise on this site, and the willingness of the experts to share their thoughts.

I went to check the valve clearances and there is none. I called the guy who last worked on the engine for the previous owner and he didn't remember the engine specifically but he said, "Is it over 2000cc's?" I said, "yes." He said, "Then it has hydraulic lifters." Well I wasn't too sure about that being correct, but if he believes that, that is why the valves are set this way. Admittedly, the engine doesn't have much of the tapping sound i am used to in a vw engine, and seems to have run ok for at least the 600 miles I have driven it. But how can I be sure there are hydraulic lifters in there?

The engine case says 2b3 28 Brazil 000.101.202.2 AS21
The vw head says 2BR 0411013755 81
(I am told the engine is a 2007cc that was in this metalcraft speedster since it was built in 1998) but I don't know that for a fact.
Is there a website/ place I can track down more info based on these numbers?
Thanks
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FM Former Member
My question is how do I identify what type of (type 1) engine I have, and does it really have hydraulic lifters.

First let me say as a new owner, I am really impressed by the expertise on this site, and the willingness of the experts to share their thoughts.

I went to check the valve clearances and there is none. I called the guy who last worked on the engine for the previous owner and he didn't remember the engine specifically but he said, "Is it over 2000cc's?" I said, "yes." He said, "Then it has hydraulic lifters." Well I wasn't too sure about that being correct, but if he believes that, that is why the valves are set this way. Admittedly, the engine doesn't have much of the tapping sound i am used to in a vw engine, and seems to have run ok for at least the 600 miles I have driven it. But how can I be sure there are hydraulic lifters in there?

The engine case says 2b3 28 Brazil 000.101.202.2 AS21
The vw head says 2BR 0411013755 81
(I am told the engine is a 2007cc that was in this metalcraft speedster since it was built in 1998) but I don't know that for a fact.
Is there a website/ place I can track down more info based on these numbers?
Thanks
FM Former Member
Henry,

If someone doesn't answer your question here try shoptalkforums.com. There are a number of forums that focus on specific engine topics, lots of knowledgible people there, thought likely they don't know jack about Speedster replica's.

I bet if you posted your question in the "Newbie" forum someone will help you in a jiffy. Be sure to check their archive for specific questions you may have. Great place to steepen your learning curve.
FM Former Member
Are you sure it's over 2,000cc? Can't the previous owner either clarify the lifter issue or direct you to whoever built the engine?

If it's over 2,000cc it is a "built up" engine which means that whoever built it may have changed from hydraulics to mechanical lifters even if it began life as hydraulic. And, it's a fairly common practice of some mechanics to set the valves on performance VW engines using .000" valve clearance.

If I were you I'd try to trace the engine back to it's origins and get the complete build specifications.
(Message Edited 8/19/2003 3:43:16 PM)
FM Former Member
Thanks E and G.
The previous owner told me that it did not have hydraulic lifters. He did not have tech specs beyond the following: 2007 cc 90mm bore x 70 mm stroke compression ration 9.5:1

I will post a new thread asking other metalcraft speedster owners what was available for engines in 1998.

However, Murphy's law says that hydraulic lifters will be an option that was offered, so I will still have to figure out how to tell if this specific engine has hydraulic lifters and what to set the valves at. Any further suggestions would me much appreciated.
FM Former Member
Hydraulics have an "interference" adjustment, that is, you set them at .000", then tighten up about 1 turn more.

If you did that with a non-hydraulic engine it probably wouldn't start, but first set to zero then do two full adjuster turns in at TDC on the beginning of the intake cycle (to make sure the valves don't hit the pistons or valve springs won't coil bind) then back off one turn. If the engine doesn't want to start (mechanicals = valves open = no compression = no run) the lifters are mechanical. Hydraulics collapse to a degree during running to "adjust" the clearance.

If you're turning in the adjuster during this process and it stops (remember, TDC on inlet cycle), it's touching the piston - don't force anything.

"Elementary, my dear Watson." A. Conan Doyle


(Message Edited 8/19/2003 5:55:03 PM)
FM Former Member
Henry,

None of the Speedster manufacturers sell their cars with a pre-determined engine. The customer usually made that decision when the car was ordered. Also, for whatever reason, after owning their cars for a while many owners decide to go with a different engine, usually a larger one.

George talked about setting the clearance on hydraulic lifters, but some mechanical lifter engines use chromoly push rods vs stock aluminum push rods and they set those close to zero also, compared to the stock valve clearance. Chances are you have mechanical lifters. Can't help you how to determine which you have, but I am sure someone can.

If your car has the custom-built MetalCraft tube chassis it is suppose to be a very nice platform for a Speedster, nice and rigid. Go throough the list of the owners here, there is at least one or two MetalCraft car owners that post, they can help you with questions about your car. ShopTalkForums is a good place for engine specific questions.
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