Did he really run the engine low on oil or did it just "throw" a rod. It
can and does happen. If the engine was recently rebuilt, you have to ask
why.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM] On Behalf
Of Richard Golen
Sent: Saturday, May 10, 2003 10:46 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 80 Westy Engine Fire - Mystery Solved

Hi All,

A couple of weeks ago I posted a message about my son's 80 Westy's
engine
catching fire. Fortunately no one was hurt and the fire was put out
before
there was major structural damage to the van. At the time it looked like
I
would have to replace some wires, air cleaner, hoses, distributor,
etc....about a few day's work.

What bothered me was this was a new engine and all of the fuel lines
were
replaced when the engine was put in, so I couldn't understand what
caused
the engine to catch fire.

This morning I started the task of cleaning off the fire extinguisher
powder, and some of the charred bits from the engine. As I pulled away
some
of the debris from the manifold, I found the problem!

I guess he ran the engine low on oil (IDIOT!!) and blew a rod. The rod
went
through the top of the case and severed the fuel line at the "T" piece.
And
voila!! Engine Flambe!

So I'm not sure what's going to happen to his Westy at this point...its
now
his project. The body and interior are in good shape for an 80...he has
a
parts van...but the question is now going to be a replacement engine.

He's a college student who spent a big chunk of his savings on a new
engine
for the van, so he's low on funds. Does anyone have a good used A/C
engine,
cheap?

Ric