Date:         Thu, 22 May 2003 10:23:07 -0700
Reply-To:     steeles <steeles@HORIZONVIEW.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         steeles <steeles@HORIZONVIEW.NET>
Subject:      oil blow-by on new 2.1
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hey all:
On a newly rebuilt engine(sold by a List vendor, yet unnamed), after +/-
3500 miles the owner is experiencing  about 2 quarts of oil usage/leak per
oil change.  I looked at it for her...doesn't appear to be using it, there
is a small leak at the front (rear of the van) main seal. Oil appears also
to be dripping slightly from the dip stick tube.  In checking the air inlet
hose and the hose from the breather stack, there appears to a HEAVY film of
oil.  All other connections and fittings appear to be tight and proper.
I haven't driven the van for more than just a couple of blocks, but it does
seem to have a little more condensate from the exhaust pipe than any of my
vans.
So here's my question,  is the engine oil being compressed by a bad head
gasket?  I originally thought it was a bad main seal...but the other areas
are causing me to think about compression.  I have no way nor time to do a
leak down test for the next few weeks and the owner wants to do a coast to
coast trip in about ten days.  Opinions?
As always TIA.
Stephen
Chillicothe Ohio