Date:         Fri, 11 Aug 2000 15:26:54 -0400
Reply-To:     Carlos Del Rio <cdelrio@concentric.net>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Carlos Del Rio <cdelrio@concentric.net>
Subject:      '84 Vanagon engine project
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I have an '84 Vanagon that I'd like to begin working on. My question is,
Where do I start?
Here's my dilemma: I have no mechanical background, but eager to learn. Have
the books: Muir, Bentley, Haynes. Have most of the tools I think I'll need.
First some diagnostics:
The PO told me the #2 cylinder was "bad" but I
don't know what he meant by it. I did a compression test and it looked lousy
(or so I assume):
Cylinder        6 tries per the Muir book
        1             90-80-85-85-85-85
        2             75-70-75-70-70-70
        3             100-100-95-100-105-95
        4             100-85-85-95-85-95
Would this be corrected with new rings, I wonder? Or should I trash the
engine?

Again, I'm speculating,bcse I still need to pull the engine. From what I
presume, inspecting the
inside of the cylinder for damage is paramount. I would hate to have to
split the case.

Am I in over my head?

Thanks in advance.


Carlos