Reliability of the 93-94 7-bolt 4g63t

[aznchum]

I know that the 2nd generation motors are prone to crankwalk, but does anyone know if the 1st gen 7-bolts walk as frequently? My 1995 TSI AWD needs a new motor, and already has a 6-bolt in it. The problem is the 6-bolt is hard to get a hold of, and if the 1st gen 7-bolt is fairly reliable I wouldn't mind. Also, would the 7-bolt be an easier swap or essentially the same as a 6-bolt? Keep in mind here I am only talking about the 1st gen 7-bolt. Any input is greatly appreciated.

 

[dls93tsi]

The 93-94 7 bolt blocks do not have the crankwalk problem of the 2g 7 bolt.

The 1g 7-bolt uses the same oil galleys as a 6-bolt, so it doesnt have the problem of the oil squirters starving the main bearings of oil like the 2g 7-bolt.

 

[Defiant]

It also has more bearing surface.

I've never been convinced the oil squirters are the culprit.

 

[TonyTSi]

I know its not as frequent but my 93 7-bolt motor took a walk on me....I guess any motor *can* crankwalk on you...but I just thought I'd add that the 93-94 7bolts, while it may not happen as often, are not immune to the crankwalk syndrome

 

[DSMJim]

I know of two other 93-94 7bolts that crankwalked as well. Seems they are just as likely as the 2G really only that there are many more 2G cars out there so you hear of it more.

 

[125awhpdsm]

hey, i just built a 93 7 bolt completly with everything that could be put into it. had 480 miles and now the thing moves between 1/4 to 3/8 of a inch. I cant believe i wasted all of this time and money just for the thing to screw me over.

 

[mean_green_98]

i hate to hear trash talking on the good old 7bolt. i had no problems with mine, and the only reason i did a 6 bolt swap is because i got the block for free. its like the guys at ams say, either u get it or you dont. what happend 2 ur 6 bolt?

 

[gheintz81]

Didn't the 7 bolt start in mid-92? I'm still confused as to what i have.

 

[splattj]

My Sept 92 7-bolt had 170,000mi on it when I swapped it out for a built motor. The shop said the bearings were in exceptional condition when they pulled it apart.

Any motor can crankwalk. It's pretty uncommon in the 1gb DSMs.

 

[bullettdsm]

I was just wondering; is there a schedule on this topic. It appears that it must be brought up at least once a month. Maybe some day there will be definitive proof of something....Ah, yes......someday.........
MB

 

[sweet97]

Didn't the 7 bolt start in mid-92? I'm still confused as to what i have.

April '92 was the change to 7 bolts.

 

[endlessMyk]

My friend went through 2 episodes of crankwalk on his 94 before he got his 6 bolt... why he didn't switch to a 6 bolt after the first time is beyond me to this day...

 

[HighPsi92GST]

I know of two other 93-94 7bolts that crankwalked as well. Seems they are just as likely as the 2G really only that there are many more 2G cars out there so you hear of it more.

My 93 did

It was bad enough that you could grab the front pulley and actually push and pull the crank back and forth making aloud knocking noise.

One thing I don't like to see is people who spin a bearing then have the engine rebuilt, the crank moves after a few hundred miles and they yell crankwalk. If "crankwalk" occurs right after a rebuild on an engine that died for other reasons, its more then likly an error in the rebuild.
My car was on the original bearings when it took a walk right around 100k miles.