Date:         Mon, 12 Jun 2000 21:13:34 +1000
Reply-To:     Ray Hunnam <hunnam@PNC.COM.AU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ray Hunnam <hunnam@PNC.COM.AU>
Subject:      Wisdom of List Sought
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Hi Gang.

Picture this ?  I am driving along the highway have just travelled about
300kms at speeds varying from  60 kph to 110 kph.  Stopped for lunch about
30 minutes and re commenced the journey.  I travelled about 30 kms and
whilst going up a steep hill I noticed that power was falling. Pulled over
to the side of the road and looked at the gauges no sign of trouble, idiot
lights no blinking.

Whilst going along at about 40kph the Van regained power and commenced to
accelerate up the hill.  Still no signs from gauges or idiot lights.
Reached the top of the hill and looking in the rear view noticed white smoke
from rear of van.  Pulled over and stopped.  Walked to rear and noticed oil
splatter on rear tailgate.

Opened engine cover and noticed that the oil had been blown from engine and
hitting hot exhaust.  Checked dipstick still have oil in crankcase ( above
bottom notch ) however I cannot see where its blowing from.  Oh !  dont
remember distick being loose but dont think so !   I did notice some oil
around the breather tower ( Possibility here ??? )

Called the Road Service and the patrolman suggested that compression is
entering the crankcase and blowing oil out the motor.  We turned her on and
after a short time it started to blow out of the oil filler cap  ( which he
had removed to show me )

Result a 120kms tow on a flat bed truck to home ( Relax,  I'm a long time
member and no cost to me )

Ok  now comes the crunch.  Give me some ideas on where to start looking.  I
assume that compression is somehow by passing the rings and ending up in the
case, hence the blowback.  Remember the post recently about oil breather
cloggin up what's the chance here ?

Prior to this motor is running perfect.   Oil and filter changed every 5000
kms  ( sometimes sooner )   Motor runs steady all day at 100 to 120 kph.


Ray Hunnam