Date: Tue, 15 Nov 2016 21:20:06 +0000
Reply-To: Sean Garrett <doit.outdoors@YAHOO.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Sean Garrett <doit.outdoors@YAHOO.COM>
Subject: Re: My Engine Has Bit the Dust
In-Reply-To: <020b01d23f85$2b65d560$82318020$@gmail.com>
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Not true about turning your own wrenches. I have a sandrail shop and a Subaru shop that regularly work on my conversion at the drop of a hat.
Please dont let that stop you from doing a conversion. Sean GPS: I have found that many shops marvel at the conversion and are eager to work on it once you explain it has factory harness and computer.
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 2:13 PM
Subject: Re: My Engine Has Bit the Dust
I agree with fixing it. Since it obviously spins over, you didn't destroy it. Should be fixable for under $2k with two new heads. I don't like making 1.9s into 2.1s or bigger because that requires a stroker crank to increase displacement, and those can break with only three main bearings, especially on long climbs. But that's just my opinion.
You'll pay at least $6000-$7000 to put a rebuilt 2.2 Go Westy engine in, and it will have a stroker crank. Shipping engines back and forth will likely be at least $700.
If you are not a good wrench turner, don't do a Subaru conversion since you'll be your own mechanic for life.
Stuart
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Ryan Perry
Sent: Tuesday, November 15, 2016 12:24 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: My Engine Has Bit the Dust
My 84, 1.9 manual westy with 198k miles, Artie McPartie, has gone the way of the ghost. Driving down hwy yesterday after a pretty good clip up hill the engine lost power and will no longer start. Towed to my mechanic and it is 0 compression in cylinders 1 and 3. He didn't dig much deeper other than it needs a new engine.
I am at a loss here. I know I have gotten many years out of my van and will get many more and should expect that any investment will get me returns. I also knew this day was coming after getting the dreaded oil light after hwy stretches. I am not made of money and want to make a good decision on next steps.
And with that, I turn to this...the smartest group of van owners I know.
I want to keep a waterboxer, I know the engine and I like its simplicity. I would love to upgrade to a 2.1 or more if it is worth the price. I am located in Asheville, NC and would not be doing any of the work myself. My mechanic can take delivery and do the install. (I do my fair share of work but feel this is out of my league)
So, any ideas out there on next steps? Thanks in advance for your help!
Ryan
