Date:         Tue, 12 Feb 2002 14:37:59 -0800
Reply-To:     James Adams <james_adams@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         James Adams <james_adams@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Replacement engine - necessary, advisable ?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello,

I have a 1991 Vanagon GL, 2.1 liter engine.  I'm sure
that it has over 200,000 miles on it, and the engine
was rebuilt once before I purchased it.  I've taken it
in to be looked over and I've been told by two
separate, reputable mechanics that the engine's days
are numbered.  The oil pressure is 29 at 2000 RPM,
which I was told is the very low end of the spectrum.
The compression is good.  The head gaskets are
starting to leak so it is a matter of time before I'll
need a head job.  The engine smokes a bit in the
mornings when I crank it and while it warms up but
otherwise I can tell of no major problems by the
actual performance of the van on the road.  It is
smooth running but has very limited power going up
hills.

I want to keep this van.  It seems to run well, but I
am not at all a mechanic and can only trust what I'm
told by mechanics or others who have more knowledge
than I do.  That's why I'm asking this group - what
would you suggest ?  Is there anything that I can do
to delay the inevitable ?  Someone has suggested
trying to put in a new oil pump to increase the oil
pressure, but I'm not sure if that would buy me much
more time.  And my understanding is that the heads
blowing out is perhaps a more pressing issue.  Again I
am clueless about this sort of thing, this is a
learning experience.

Also I have been told that the best long-term solution
is to replace the engine with a Golf engine and
conversion kit at the cost of around $5500.  Is this a
good idea, and does that sound like a reasonable price
for that job ?  I am not afraid to drop a bit of cash
on this vehicle as it will most likely cost me just as
much to buy another Vanagon if it is in good
condition.  But I'm not rich and don't want to waste
money if I can avoid it.

My current disposition is to ride it until it blows on
me and then get the Golf engine.  I've purchased a
fire extinguisher.  ;)

I realize that there is only so much that one can
surmise from the above description of my present woes,
but any sage advice will be appreciated.  Thanks in
advance for your opinions.


-James

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