First, let me say a big thanks to all who have responded to my problem with phone calls and to the gracious posts on my behalf by Ken Wilfy, Joel Cort, and Joel Walker. As I gather more information, my needs change. Here are the facts, and some questions. If any can point me in a direction it would be appreciated. The cylinder on the left side of the vehicle, forward toward the driver, is the one that blew the piston. Symptoms were massive white smoke out the tail pipe, aluminum particles welded to the spark plug, "Zero" compression, case pressurization with leaking valve cover gaskets after running engine with new gaskets installed. Questions: 1) Would it be possible to just pull and change a cylinder and piston/rings with corresponding head work. Or What would you recommend given the symptoms. 2) Can anyone recommend a competent shop somewhere in the Oklahoma City area. I can have the vehicle moved there. 3) Can I tow the vehicle on its own wheels. I'm thinking of maybe renting a Ryder or U-haul van to haul my gear in, and perhaps trying to tow the Vanagon behind all the way to Birmingham, AL which is my final destination. I've a top mechanic there that I trust. Can this be done with the van, given its rear engine/transaxle configuration.
Any and all suggestions would be appreciated. John Rodgers 580-323-6840 Room 130 Clinton, OK |
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