Some people don't like this thread for one reason or another but I thought
I'd state my opinion.

I agree with Ben Huot - there are givers and there are takers.  Larry to
me does NOT seem like a taker.  I have never met him in person.  He did
not ask for hand outs, just a cheap engine to get him going again.  I have
no problem helping these sort of people out whenever they are in need.

I know that any gift I give them they will give back to someone else one
way or another.  Sort of like that movie "Pay it Forward."  Sometimes I
accidentally give something to one of these so called "takers" but I can
accept that.

To me the Vanagon and this list is about more than just a vehicle.  It is
about the people who drive them.  I think this thread is important and
shows the many varied levels of "givers" and "takers."  I think even some
of you are "givers" but have been burned too many times by the "takers"
and are hesitant to give any more.

Of course I find no fault in Larry asking for a cheap engine.  Sure he
probably made a mistake with the big bore engine, even against the
suggestion of the list.  So what.  I'm not going to say "Told you so."  He
is just a regular person like us and makes mistakes.  He didn't get the
big bore engine thinking "When this thing blows I'll just get a free
engine from people on the Vanagon list."  And furthermore the latest
engine he had was pretty much stock (if I recall correctly.)

So Larry, good luck.  I can help you out with parts if you need them; I
have a complete engine (taken apart) that spun a bearing.  The heads of
course as well as any assorted bits are yours if you need them.

Ryan