Prior to getting nervous, give each cylinder a compression test.

If you find one that have much, or none, suspect the valves first.

If the engine ran fine prior to losing power, no knocking, you would/ could 

probably be fine with a valve job, and I'd locate a local shop.

Buying anything as important as an engine over the internet, or phone is a 

throw of the dice.

This is why when I was in a bit worse shpe than you with a hole in the block 

I went to VW pars for my new engine.

It has a worldwide warrantee good at any VW dealer, and by the time your all 

done the engine will cost about the same as it would through any internet 

vendors.

I liked the security blanket thought of being able to get the VW 

remanufactured engine repaired anywhere I might travel.

You can't get this done over the phone or the internet.

If your serious about a transplant , take a long hard look at the  Zetec 

coversion.

Ron

----- Original Message ----- 

From: "Jamie Auch" <jamie@KOOKYMATHTEACHER.COM<mailto:jamie@KOOKYMATHTEACHER.COM>>

To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM<mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>>

Sent: Saturday, January 20, 2007 12:17 PM

Subject: Opinions Please

> I have owned my '89 automatic Westy for about two months now and I just 

> lost compression on #4 (it's down to 50 lb).  I have fallen

> in love with camping in it and want to make it as reliable as I possibly 

> can.

>

> Here are my options:

> 1)  Replace the heads but bottom end is unknown (ran like a top before 

> losing compression).

> 2) I have a 1.9 TD that was to go into my '82 Diesel, but I am concerned 

> with the gearing. (the torque and hp are similar to the WB

> 3) Get a Boston Bob rebuild.  The way I look at it why not get an engine 

> redone totally.  (this is not to be a Boston Bob Bash, I

> have read all the posts in different forums and list serves).

> 4) Do a Tiico conversion.

>

> From the list experience what do you think of these options?

>

> Thanks,

> Jamie Auch

> The Kooky Math Teacher

> "missing my westy"

>