Upon investigation today I found the following.  Compression check
reveals 100-105 lbs. in all cylinders except #3 which reads 0!  Removing
the valve cover shows all normal, except the valves on #3 seem to be
moving more than they should.  I guess I dropped a piston...

So:
1. can i get this engine fixed? $$$???
2. should I just replace it? $$$$??
3. what about a Subaru swap???  $$$$???

THANX EVERYONE!
Matt

Stuart MacMillan wrote:
>
> Matthew Libby & Denise DeWolfe wrote:
> >
> > Can I drive the van 30+ miles to a mechanic without doing further
> > damage?
> >
> Well, if you have been following the list you know what happened to me
> when I pushed my engine too far!  Chances are you can drive VERY slowly
> for the 30 miles without catastrophic failure, and this engine will most
> likely need a complete rebuild anyway.  Disconnect the fuel injector
> wiring connector on #3 so gas won't be shot into the failed cylinder. If
> the power is as low as you say the other cylinders are probably in
> pretty poor shape too, number three runs the hottest and is usually just
> the first in line to go.
>
> You do run the risk of throwing a rod however, and not having an engine
> to rebuild.
>
> A better idea is to join AAA Plus and have them tow it for free!  Choose
> your mechanic carefully and be prepared to fix it right, half a***d
> repairs won't last on these air cooled engines, they work much too hard
> in the heavy Vanagon campers and everything has to be perfect for a
> reasonable service life, as you can see.  If you need a complete rebuild
> I would recommend an engine from a production rebuilder, such as are on
> the list, rather than having a local mechanic do the rebuild.  Line
> mechanics, especially those in independent shops, just don't have the
> facilities or time to give this task proper attention.  Just have them
> do the removal and installation, making sure all the cooling sheet
> metal, etc. is installed and working properly.
>
> Keep in mind that if you like the camper and use it, it will be worth
> putting a new, reliable engine in it!  If you are in doubt, sell it as
> is and move on.
>
> --
> Stuart MacMillan
> Seattle
>
> '84 Vanagon Westfalia
> '65 MGB (Driven since 1969)
> '74 MGB GT (Restoring)
>
> Assisting on Restoration:
> '72 MGB GT (Daughter's)
> '64 MGB (Son's)
>
> Parts cars:
> '68 & '73 MGB, '67 MGB GT