Allright, I'm told the engine might be on its last leg. My option:

- Have it opened up and fixed (I'm told 7-8 hours of tear down + fix +
parts)
- Have the engine replaced with a rebuilt engine or *really* good used one
(anyone has an engine they know is good?)
- Have the engine replaced with a TDI conversion

Any recommendations? I'm in Truckee, CA with this real nice mechanic named
Ken at Fast and Pleasant Auto & Truck Repair in Truckee. He seem to know his
VW's, but I'd love to know of any alternatives that will give me a greater
bang for my buck.

So I could just have the engine fixed once it's been opened up, but that's a
good amount of $$ just for figuring out what the deal is without fixing
anything, or I could shell out a good deal of $$ for a new engine and
installation, and possibly selling the old engine for parts (anyone
interested?). Or, my favourite option (but the most costly) is getting a TDI
conversion, but that will take a good deal of time as well, I hear. And if
someone in the area is most qualified with conpared with Ken, I could go
with them (AAA will tow me 100 miles). But I hear that you cannot do a
Diesel conversion  in California. Anyone has any comments on that?

Thanks so much everyone for all your help!!

A bientot et avec amour,

Philippe

Fuzzy :philippe, Sensual Artist -- Chocolate Truffles . Exquisite Desserts .
Amazing Chill Spaces . Characters
. Stilts . Lucid Dreaming . Life Coaching . Firewalking . French
mystikat@california.com - 415-505-0786 - cell
"Create the world you dream with every choice you make!" -- Stephen C. Paul

----- Original Message -----
From: "Tom Sinclair" <neeemo@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, September 08, 2004 7:38 PM
Subject: Re: Urgent Need of a Vanagon mechanic in Truckee, CA

> Check out J&R Vans in Reno, Nevada.  Here is a website with their phone
number.
> http://webpages.charter.net/baldy/rialta/vw/mechanics.htm
>
> Tom
>