Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2004 23:25:25 -0600
Reply-To: John Rodgers <jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: John Rodgers <jh_rodgers@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject: Re: AVP Engine for 88 WBX
In-Reply-To: <18e31018be51.18be5118e310@ou.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Warren, the one thing you did not mention was the results of any
compression test done.Was a compression test done??? A compression test
is the most definitive test you can do to determine the basic mechanical
condition of an engine. If your mechanic did not a compression test on
all cylincers he is seriously remiss in his duties as a mechanic.
That said, you mentioned #4 plug wire caused no change when
disconnected. Sounds like you definitely have a dead cylinder for some
reason. First get that compression test. I had a power loss once. Oil
light never came on, engine continued to run smooth. Couldn't figure it
out ....until the compression test! A hole in the piston.!!!!! Get the
compression test. Next, be sure you are geting fire through the
distributor cap for #4 cylinder wire.
As for a collapsed lifter. The WBX lifter/valve clatters like crazy if
the lifter is flat. You will know it instantly, /There is no missing it.
As for new engine, I would go to Bob Donalds of WWW.Bostonengines.com
for a new engine or a rebuild. Good man, hard to beat, lots of help.
BTW, I drive an 88 GL.
Regards,
John Rodgers
88 GL Driver
Chelsea, AL
Warren.K.Lail-1 wrote:
>Hi guys,
>
>I recently purchased an 88 waterboxer that had a lot of work done on it previously. However, on my way across Tennessee during the holidays, it gradually lost power and when I got to my sister's home it was running on three cylinders. I had the benefit of finding a great local guy by the name of Glenn Hines who came and towed my newest prize to his shop about 90 miles east of my sister's home. I thought I had a head problem, but Glenn told me that the head looks great and he could see no damage to or near a piston, and that the pushrods were straight. In fact, he told me the head looked almost new and that the rings had not even scored the top of the cylinder wall.
>
>Question: Could a collapsed lifter cause the severe power loss (when I remove the #4 plug wire the engine does not change at all) or is this something more serious? Before Glenn removed the head I changed out the spark plug to no avail, and the oil light never came on. Any ideas? Otherwise this bus runs strong!
>
>If I have to replace the engine, I think I'll go with AVP. I purchased a 2.0 air-cooled engine from them in 1997 and it still runs great with well over 150,000 miles on it. In fact, it barely uses oil and just about does not leak. Of course, I have taken great care of it, seldom driving over 62 mph, changing the oil every 3,000 miles, etc. I have talked to Erin at AVP and read recent postings regarding their abilities with waterboxer heads, etc., and so I'm thinking they're still one of the best rebuilders out there. However, I would like to not purchase another engine, so help me out if you have any ideas.
>
>Also, I've got to give props to the guys at the Volks Cafe and at Go-Westy and at OE-VeeDub. I've recently ordered parts from all of these guys and I've been very pleased with their parts and service.
>
>Thanks
>Warren
>88 Westy
>
>
>
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