Several months ago I bought a 1985 VW Vanagon from a salvage yard.  The engine would not turn a full revolution without hitting something.  I feared the worse, but never actually had run into a vehicle I couldn't fix.  I pulled it apart, split the crankcase, all looked very good, except the driver side cylinders had a big dirt dobber nest in each cylinder.  When I got it, there were plugs in it.  I put new rings in it, put it back in the van... and have been hitting a stump ever since.  I know it's timed right, with the camshaft. I believe It's timed right with the distributor, yet it just pops.

    I bought a Bentley repair manual, I have to Hawyes books, one the Transporter.  The wiring on my Vanagon, does not match the wire codes in the manuals.  The oil pressure sender wire is completely gone with no sign of any wire stubs, anything.  There is a thick green wire hooked to a thin red wire...male/female connection.  A small green wire hanging loose, with no end on it at all.

   I thought one end when of the engine was missing an oil seal.. I recall the oil slinger ring.. so it had to be the front.  I have been trying to get the crankshaft pulley bolt to break loose.. I know we have put over 300 ft. pounds of pressure, and probably closer to 400 ft. pounds.  

   I have a water leak on the bottom flange of the water pump... that goes to the other side, I wanted to check that seal, and it would be easier to put that water pipe back in.  

  With all that trouble,  I am afraid the electronics are just shot. What are my options... just find another engine.. and start over..?
Thank you in advance, 
Lyle Lathem
1985 VW Vanagon GL
never heard it run, but I tryin'