Mk2 intake mock up on ABA with crossflow head

Jetta engine nearly ready for install into 1988 Vanagon Westfalia

Jetta ABA 2.0; bolt for timing belt sprocket at crank. Used "normal" bolt is on left. Lesson; check your new torque wrench before using it!

buzzzzzz

ABA piston rings

Mk3 Accessory Brackets

ABA intermediate shaft.

Motronic 2.9 OBD1 28a connector pinout

For my Jetta 2.0 engine into 1988 Vanagon swap, I may delete this connector and solder new portions of wire to the engine portion of harness. The wires on the engine portion of harness tend to get brittle, corroded, then fail. The connector itself is purported as being prone to failure but so far, on my first ABA swap, it has not been an issue. If I delete the 28a connector, I may install a plug between fuel injectors and intake air sensor. If I recall, that portion of harness is clipped to the fuel rail which is under the intake, so it's not easy to remove if removing the engine. I'm sure that's part of the reason why VW installed that 28a connector.

This is a test post of ABA engine rebuild images

cylinder before machine work (hone)

Mark made on intermediate shaft journal. I did NOT make this mark. Can't figure why someone would do this.

images of marks on cylinder bore after hot tank and deglaze

I checked all journals after machine shop work

#5 main bearing

#1 main

end play shims at #3 bearing

image of later style 2.0 (AEG??) end play shim position

#3 main bearing Plastigauge

a rod journal

Rod journal near spec for "new"  (0.01 - 0.06 mm)

End play with new bearings etc. very gentle levering on screwdriver

A VW PDF of AEG and ABA engine rebuilding refers to "engine front" regarding rod orientation. 

I wasn't clear if they meant "front" as it is mounted in a Mk3 or "front" meant the pulley end of engine. Seems it's the latter. This is for a VW Fox engine but I doubt VW changed that aspect since then.

This is a test post of ABA engine rebuild images

This is a test post of ABA engine rebuild images