Date: Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:14:44 -0600
Reply-To: George Laubach <skiplaubach@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: George Laubach <skiplaubach@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: 1.9L WBX Compression Test Question
In-Reply-To: <BAY152-ds175A0A71E7845E57D0E5E3A0A00@phx.gbl>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
Thanks Steve, Ken, and Dennis,
I'll do the leak-down test (or I have a local shop that I can take it to, who can also "double-check" the compression). I'll do this first (the van still drives), then I'll remove the engine. I see a big difference in $$ if (as Dennis describes) I can determine if it's only a valve adjustment or the cylinders. So, I'll report back after the leak-down test.
One interesting comment that my VW mechanic mentioned is to not use "platinum" spark plugs (which I have in now) in the 1.9L. Any comments?
(short background) '84 Westy, 1.9L WBXR, Manual. I've owned the van for 4 months and is my first Vanagon (102,000 mi (2,000 are mine)) and I'm new to auto mechanics (and am hooked). Own the Bentley and Haynes, btw.
Thanks again,
Skip
On Dec 16, 2011, at 5:11 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM> wrote:
> As part of an engine evaluation a leak down test should also be performed. Bypassing the gauge set and putting shop air pressure into the cylinder, (restrain the crankshaft from turning) will indicate if you have a piston-ring or valve issue. Two opposite cylinders having low compression can also indicate worn camshaft lobes. On the 1.9L engines the front cylinders also tend to get heat damage sooner due to the way the coolant flows (or not) through the engine.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Skip
> Sent: Thursday, December 15, 2011 9:09 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: 1.9L WBX Compression Test Question
>
> '84 Westy, 1.9L WBX, Manual Trans
>
> Runnability issues continue. A couple of weeks ago (after replacing the ECU and Temp II sensor, and smooth running for 100 miles and good warm starting) the van was sputtering/losing power, then stopped. Wouldn't restart. Had my second tow with AAA Premium, this time to my mechanic. When we off-loaded the van at the mechanic's, the van restarted...I left it with the mechanic to check over. He identified the usual (hoses that need to be replaced, etc.), but couldn't figure out the runnability issue. He has a very good reputation, so I don't doubt his expertise. So he did a compression test on the cylinders. Results were interesting and I would welcome recommendations for further study or repair: the two rear cylinders measured 155 on each side, the two front cylinders measured 65. So, the engine sounds pretty OK and runs OK...sometimes, and I would guess that the reason is that the compression is the same on opposite cylinders. So has anyone experienced this phenomenon or can recommend "steps" toward a correction? I stopped my an automotive machine shop today and was quoted about $1500 (labor) plus parts (which include cylinders). BTW, no head gasket leaks. Thank you.
>
> Skip Laubach
> Elgin, IL
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