Hi Everybody:

My van's engine has reached the end of the road.  In July, I lost the rear
axle and got hooked up with a mechanic in San Francisco through this board,
who fixed the job with used parts for 250.  I asked him if he would work on
the engine to eliminate the oil leaks that had progressively gotten worse
since I bought it in 2004.  His analysis of the situation was that the
engine was done and I should get rid of the air-cooled and get a water
cooled if I wanted to still have a Vanagon. He said the engine had gotten
too hot from overworking it and not taking care of it (I was very poor in
San Diego and coult not tend to things).  When he gave the engine gas, it
was making a real load noise which he said was from air leaking from the
exhaust into the engine and that it was burning oil. I said I did not intend
to get rid of the van and wanted to fix it.  His estimate on  the
installation of a rebiult engine was $4,000.  He said to just drive my van
until it wouldn't go anymore,  which is where I am at now.  I  had just
changed the oil and adding some fuel injector cleaner but did not have a
full tank of gas.  The van is backfiring and is very loud like there is no
muffler at all.  And it puts at a lot of smoke.(which it has been doing for
a while especially went I first start running it or when it has to do any
upgrade which it can barely do. ) It has absolutely no power at all.  It
barely moves only in first gear and jerks a lot.  I guess I will not know if
it has failed seals and gaskets or a cracked head until I take it apart.

This is my situation. I would like to rebuild this engine myself with the a
professional doing the cylinder work.  The van is presently is an
unrestricted street parking spot in Sausalito, CA. I have
AAA basic which will tow it within five miles without charge.  I would like
to locate a vacant work space for a month, preferably in Sausalito, Marin
City, or Mill Valley,and rent the heavy equipment I need to remove and mount
the engine.  My auto repair skills are at a minimum but I have a technical
education to help me learn.  I have wanted to break down and rebuild a
engine for a some time. The time is right. my job is done oct 31 and I have
the cash to get me through.  I noticed someone had done a rebuild in August
on T2, so hopefully with some internet guidance I can get it done.

First, Is there anyone out there in the Marin County area that would know of
a place I could use for a month.  Also where could I come by engine removal
and mounting equipment.  I am going to make a checklist of all the supplies
and parts I need.  Does anyone know of a good resource that walks you
through a rebuild project for the novice.  I do read the Bentley , but it
assumes the user is a trained mechanic. I also have the VW idiot's guide.
The bottom line is I want to do this to learn and finally understand how it
all works.
Let me know your thoughts and advice.
Cheers,
Janyce