I>direction.  Number 3 rod turned into a snack for the
>crank and was burped out the top of the case last
>night on my way home.

Ouch! Sorry :(

>Any words of wisdom or consolation in my now WAY
>overpriced Westy would be great.

Well, you can throw it away, or pay to have it fixed. When it has just
happened, it seems like the end of it all. I'm sure most of us can relate.
However, when the sun rises, still from the east, and we still have to go
to work every day (those lucky enough to have a job) its likely that soon
your ability to reason will return and you will see that there are only
two choices. A new vehicle would cost much more than the repairs on one
you already know that you like.

As far as how to repair it, well, again, you have two choices. Pay someone
to do it, or do it yourself. If you refuse to do it yourself for whatever
reason, then you have made another decision :-)

If you have any mechanical skills and the space and time, you can replace
the motor yourself with all of the expertise on this list, I can't imagine
you can go wrong. <g>

Still a tough choice, but if you break it down, the choices will be made
for you.

On the bright side, if you get a new motor, look at the benefit of not
having to worry about it for a long time.

If you choose to give it away, lemme know? :-)

Good luck, whichever way you go.

Regards,

John