Date:         Wed, 8 Dec 1999 11:17:43 -0600
Reply-To:     arbosch@RA.ROCKWELL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Alan Bosch <arbosch@RA.ROCKWELL.COM>
Subject:      Does overheating = piston ring damage?
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Been following the "Does this bus go to my office?" thread with more than a
little interest.  The alternator and waterpump belt on my van broke Saturday -
one took out the other, though I don't know which one took the other.  The van
overheated and blew out the coolant distributor.  When this happened, I had to
drive maybe 500 yards to get the van off the road.  Now, following the above
mentioned thread, I'm wondering if I've done major damage to the engine - burnt
the piston rings, for instance.  As I'll be replacing the coolant distributor
tomorrow, and doing a complete flush and fill for the cooling system, I should
probably do a compression check too.  Unless the chances of minimal that any
real damage was done.  Anyone want to offer assurances or you-witless-fool
scares?

Alan Bosch
& Phred ('88 Wolfsburg) - out back, on the ramp, waiting for UPS...
Rochester, NY