Hello all, This summer I decided to tackle a '74 Camper that had been garage bound for about ten years since it died and my dad gave up on it. Unfortunately, no one seems to remember exactly what its fatal ailment was. The best I could make of the sketwchy stories was that it began to lose alot of compression. My pop took it to someone who told him it would need a new engine. Apparently it was driven up the driveway into its temporary tomb till I began my ideas of reincarnation this summer. We dragged this thing out and to our suprise found it to be in pretty good shape as far as rust and body were concerned. We hooked a battery up to it and got nothing but a few lights on the dashboard. I should mention that while we were pulling the thing out the main belt did turn a bit, so I guess the engine hasn't completely seized up--a good sign I suppose. To get to the point, we took the engine out, admired its beauty for a while, and then became confused--now what?? How can we find out what, if anything is wrong with this engine? Is there anything I should look for, or a way to test it? I'm assuming that after ten years it might be the starter that's my first problem. Should I order a new starter and take it from there?? Should I attemp to rebuild it? Is it possible that it wouldn't be necessary to rebuild the entire thing--might it only be in need of a few parts--is it actually realistic that the solution to my troubles might be something simple?? Or should I just trade the thing in for a rebuilt one?? I've already got Muir's Bible and a Chilton's manual which could learn a little something from John Muir--cartoons can't hurt. Right now, time is easier to spare than money. whew...that's alot of questions, but I don't know where else to turn. Mechanics turn pale with the mere mention of a "'74 VW Bus"--they speak of it as if it were some dark, evil thing. Thanks for any help. Ben
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