My 88GL had an engine failure at about 86,000 miles. Other evidence on
the vehicle suggests very poor maintenance over all and that someone had
run the S**T out of it.

The engine failed by way of a piston failure. Big chunk broke off the
top of #3, broken rings galled piston side wall, galled and scored
cylinder wall. Typical of a flat 4 that has been run consistently to
fast. That piston got really hot. Fortunately for me, there was no rod
failure, no crankcase failure, no cylinder head damage.. Just the piston
and cylinder failed.

I now have a rebuilt stock engine that is running nicely.

John Rodgers
88GL Driver