Date:         Mon, 7 Oct 2013 20:52:31 -0700
Reply-To:     Angus Gordon <birdworks@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Angus Gordon <birdworks@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Dipstick Blowing Out? Urgent.
Comments: To: Chris Paquette <cxp360@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CAH1dDkLw36jdOQKbMqqNO60f4RXch7hcVuqBtS76Q-bPpOmg7Q@mail.gmail.com>
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Check the hose between the breather tower and intake to make sure it isn't
kinked, collapsed or blocked.

Angus


On Mon, Oct 7, 2013 at 6:31 PM, Chris Paquette <cxp360@gmail.com> wrote:

> Had an unusual event in my '88 Westy a couple of days ago. I was heading up
> a long incline (the Sepulveda Pass on the Sepulveda Pass on the 405 in Los
> Angles) when I started to lose power badly. When I pulled over I saw a
> slight oil leakage on the pavement below the engine compartment.
>
> The mechanic - who is honest but not a VW guy - said that the dipstick had
> been blown out, and later said this could be indicative of needing a ring
> job or a complete engine rebuild. He said that for now, he's left the
> dipstick not fully pushed in to avoid the pressure buildup.
>
> The problem is that I was to leave tomorrow (Tuesday) morning on a trip
> from Los Angeles to my new place in Seattle, a trip of more than 1,000
> miles.
>
> Anyone have experience with dipstick blowout? Is it usually indicative of
> needing an engine rebuild? Is this a serious sign that I should not take
> the Westy on the road?
>
> Any help or advice would be appreciated.
>
> Chris in Los Angeles
>