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Date:         Mon, 6 Feb 2006 10:35:58 -0800
Reply-To:     Dave Mari <vw4x41987@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Mari <vw4x41987@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Engine siezed . . . Next steps?
Comments: To: jimcraig <jimcraig@QWEST.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2006020316212112@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Hi Jim,

Before you look at putting in and old tired Subi 2.2, or a leaky head prone 2.5 check out the Zetec option at: http://www.bostig.com/ . If you want to stay with a gaser then it should be Zetec or a SVX, IMHO.

Cheers, Dave, 87 Syncro Westy Zetec

jimcraig <jimcraig@QWEST.NET> wrote: My trusty and perfectly running 90 Westy shocked me beyond all belief last night as I was heading up to Snoqualmie pass for a little night skiing. The power seemed a little low as I could barely keep it above 45mph up the last steep pitch when suddenly the engine just shut down. A quick push of the clutch and a coast to the side of the road, then that sick feeling in the root of my stomach. It's over. Tried to crank, no way.

I had the heads replaced two years ago, but no rings. I did notice a little bit of smoke from the tailpipe last week, but it didn't seem to cloud up when I revved it, so I didn't think about it too much more. The van has always run perfectly. Good power, always starts etc. About a month ago, a woman ran a yield sign and I t-boned her, putting a few nice dents in the front end and trashing the spendy fiberglass bumper cover. I haven't fixed it yet, but can expect to get several thousand from the insurance.

Anyhow, I am now pondering what to do with this rig next. Do I find a used one to throw in and move on? Do I rebuild this one (169k miles) since I already have good heads? Buy a reman? Conversion? Sell the whole lot to a handy person who could put humpty dumpty back together again with lots of labor and find a new rig?

My family and kids love this van. I am committed to the Westy experience, but am torn on what to do next. I have enough mechanical experience to fix it myself, but not enough time to devote to the project, so I will end up paying shop rates on labor.

Option 1. Find a decent used motor and have my mechanic install. Cost? $2k?

Option 2. Have them tear apart the old and rebuild if the crank looks OK. Cost: $??

Option 3. Reman longblock, $5k?

Option 4. Conversion. Suby, Tiico, TDI $7k?

My mechanic has done a few tiico's and won't do any more. Not worth it for him and too many iffy parts that break later he said. Does any one know someone who can handle a conversion in Seattle? I'd be interested in learning more about the pros and cons from experienced installers. At this point in my life, I value reliability. I don't need any more projects. I don't mind brakes and maintenance, but can't devote full weekends to chasing gremlins.

Does anyone in the Seattle area have a good used 2.1 that would get me back on the road? I'm not in a big hurry since this is a third rig, but was hoping to do some ski camping with the kids this spring.

Sorry for the long winded message, I appreciate any help and information you can provide.

Thanks in advance for your help,

Jim

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