No your not an idiot for asking this question. I would need more details though to give any type of guidance or feedback though. What year, engine, miles, condition, etc.

Contrary to list beliefs, Vanagons are not the only vehicles that have engine failures. Open the phone book and look for engine re-builders. They number right behind tranny shops and most of them will not touch VW's.

Most Ford van engines are de-tuned and run just fine on regular grade fuel. At high altitudes, lower than normal octane (85) is often sold as higher is not needed due to the reduced atmospheric pressure. Filling with 85 octane and then driving down into the valleys may present some problems.

It is unlikely that low grade gas caused a rod to fail. Detonation will usually show up as burned pistons.  There was likely other indications such as overheating, coolant losses including internal head gaskets, etc.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: David Bohannan
Date: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 12:47 pm
Subject: OT: Fuel Grades, detonation and motor toast
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> Hi all,
>
> My sister just toasted a motor in her fullsize Ford van (threw a
> rod???)...My brother is blaming using low grade gas...She is at
> pretty high
> altitude driving through mountains in Wyoming...
>
> Could someone explain this to me a bit further? Got a link?
>
> Yes, I am an idiot...
>
> --
> Dave - KC9FYM
> http://fjazzbass.blogspot.com
>