Date:         Tue, 5 Sep 2000 21:11:52 -0500
Reply-To:     Matthew Libby & Denise DeWolfe <matandded@NETWAY.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Matthew Libby & Denise DeWolfe <matandded@NETWAY.COM>
Subject:      Re: Ill start from the beginning (longish)
Comments: To: Stuart MacMillan <macmillan@home.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Can I drive the van 30+ miles to a mechanic without doing further
damage?

THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP
Matt

Stuart MacMillan wrote:
>
> Well, you have apparently dropped a cylinder, and you need to determine
> whether it is due to a broken ring (my guess since you blew off the
> breather hose and were spewing oil) or valves that are causing the
> problem.
>
> Have a competent mechanic do a cylinder leak down test.  This puts
> compressed air into each cylinder, and whether excessive air comes out
> the tailpipe or intake manifold (valves), or the crankcase oil fill tube
> (rings) tells the story.
>
> It doesn't take "running a little hot" for very long to break a ring in
> an air cooled engine.  When you repair/rebuild/replace this engine make
> sure all the cooling sheet metal, vanes, engine compartment sealing
> gasket, and thermostat are properly installed and in good working order.
>
> Good luck!
>
> --
> Stuart MacMillan
> Seattle
>
> '84 Vanagon Westy (Escape vehicle)
> '65 MGB (Daily driver since 1969)
> '74 MGB GT (Undergoing restoration)
>
> Assisting in restoration:
> '72 MGB GT (Daughter)
> '64 MGB (Son)
>
> Parts cars:
> '68 & 73 MGB, '67 MGB GT