My 86 Westy started losing power and blowing and dripping oil on the way back home from southern Mexico. I was able to get it to San Blas (of Longfellow's poem, "The Bells of San Blas) and an RV park there where I regasketed the oil pump plate and checked compression #1- 120 #2- 90 #3- 120 #4- 90. No oil in water or water in oil. I was able to drive it up to Acoponeta (about 100 miles) by stopping and adding oil every 20 miles or so... then had it towed to Mazatlan (another 100 miles) where it was parked with friends. Took a bus back to my home in San Carlos (500 miles north). Now I have a new oil pump cover plate (whoever rebuilt this motor did not replace the scored plate, as required in big green book, but rotated old one 90 degrees), gasket and sealing nuts. Also new gasket set for engine from Bus Depot. My plan is to drive 2nd car to Mazatlan with wife, get Westy to RV Park on beach in Mazatlan, pitch 13x9 foot cabin tent and replace the gaskets. Hopefully, the van will then be able to make the 500 mile trip on its own. But I'm through with WBXrs. This motor had less than 4,000 miles on it, after replacing both head gaskets 500 miles after buying it.... any thoughts on current condition and Subie swap would be welcome. Jim Cochran "and I thought sailboats were a PITA...." |
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