Date:         Sun, 25 Oct 1998 18:41:57 EST
Reply-To:     PaoloD1455@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Paolo Damiani <PaoloD1455@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Help me with engine replacement options, please  (longish)
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Well, it happened to me.

The last few days the Vanagon has seemed sluggish.  Then some rattling from
the converter.

I checked the converter.  The insides were knocking about so I pulled it into
the driveway and placed an order with the Bus Depot for a new cat (muffler,
too while I'm at it).

This weekend, since it wasn't going anywhere, I decided to check the
compression and sh(*&^)*&*%)(*%)*!!!! :

145 PSI,  150 PSI,   145 PSI,   40 PSI!!!!

I also spotted the first ever drip of coolant on the bottom of the engine near
where the engine tin bolts to the bottom of the case (on the passenger side).
Maybe it's not from the head.  Also, the low compression cylinder is #3 (or
where #3 is on a Beetle...old one that is) on the driver side.  One side low
compression, the other side coolant drips, yikes!!!

Since I just gave my other car to my sister (I didn't need it: the Van was
running fine!)  I'll be trying to buy some new VW (Wolfsburg Golf, most
likely) this week if I can figure out how to swing the finances.  If I can, I
don't have to rush into a solution to get the Vanagon on the road.  If I
can't, quick fixes may be necessary.

So, the big questions...

For the Vanagon:

Replace the engine or the heads?

If engine, has any one dealt with Boston Engine (preferable cause I'm on the
right bank) or Fast German in CA?  Any other supplier of longblocks on the
East Coast?

If heads, same question about Boston Engine again.  Are these heads really
better than OEM for corrosion?

As a quick fix, does anyone know of a Eurospec approved installer in NJ?  (If
I can't swing the Golf, I might be able to swing this.  It seems attractive
even if I won't ever recover the total investment...However, I didn't get a
Vanagon as an investment ... who does?)

The reason I'm thinking entire engine is that at 148K there might be some wear
and tear on the bottom end.  Also, I'm not sure the rings are in great shape
although oil consumption has been excellent.  If I tear the engine down and
replace the rings (done this on air-cooled Beetles), I'm still not sure about
the bottom end bearings.  At this point, if I split the case, I might as well
go with long block.  Additionally, pulling the engine will let me take a
closer look at other components in the engine compartment (hoses, wiring,
etc.).  While its out I''ll probably do the clutch, too.

Opinions, similar experiences?

Paul
89 Carat (temporarily a toolshed) 148K