Date:         Sun, 23 Jul 2000 15:18:02 -0700
Reply-To:     François  
              Vézina <fvezina@sfu.ca>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         François  
              Vézina <fvezina@sfu.ca>
Subject:      Valve seat drop on 81 vanagon
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" ; format="flowed"

Hi all

Last week I lost compression on one piston on my air cooled van 
because of a valve seat that dropped. From what I've seen on the 
type2 list, it is apparently common when the engine is overheating. 
Well I thought those engines were not overheating that much... Some 
fellows suggested that I have installed an oil temperature gauge. I 
remember that some peoples were talking about oil temp gauge on the 
vanagon list not so long ago SO this is my questions.

Does the oil light in the instrument panel indicate low oil or too 
hot oil? (I know it is silly but I don't know)
If its the latter it did not work last week...

IF I should put an oil gauge is there a particular type to choose or 
the one at say Canadian Tire is OK?

How long would it take to a mechanic to install it ($$$???) (I'm not 
really good in mechanic).

I'm gonna go in Alberta with the family in two weeks (from Vancouver) 
so I don't want to bust another valve because my van is loaded and 
overheat in the rockies...

Any suggestions?? comments??? experiences??

Thank's it is appreciated

François
François Vézina M.Sc.

Department of Biological Sciences
Simon Fraser University
8888 University Drive
Burnaby BC.
V5A 1S6

Voice: (604) 291-5422
Fax: (604) 291-3496