Date:         Tue, 19 Oct 1999 11:22:29 -0400
Reply-To:     Scarlett Semko <damosem@MAIL.MCO.BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Scarlett Semko <damosem@MAIL.MCO.BELLSOUTH.NET>
Organization: Pre-installed Company
Subject:      Re: Vanagon Down in Clinton,Oklahoma
Comments: To: John Rodgers <inua@CYBERMESA.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Get a tow dolly and tow it backwards.

Ron Semko
Orlando, Florida

John Rodgers wrote:

> 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