Do the checks suggested, and go through Tejon Pass and the Siskiyou's during the day when it will be easier to get a tow truck! Hopefully you'll make it to Seattle where we have several good VW shops, two Subaru conversion shops and one Bostig and Subaru conversion shop. And, there is a factory authorized VW transmission shop too. You and your Vanagon will be very happy here! Good luck! Stuart Seattle, where there is a VW van of some sort on every street -----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Chris Paquette Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 6:32 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Dipstick Blowing Out? Urgent. 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 |
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