That is a good suggestion, a good used 2.1 engine.
Then there's getting someone to put it in of course - perhaps a group
volunteer effort ? 

Technically speaking  -  could use more information.  Like check compression
to start with.  
I also gotta say that frankly, a 20 year old vw vanagon is not a good
vehicle for someone with limited mechanical abilities  and facilities and /
or limited finances to invest.  *especially* as an only car !    
  I'd suggest maybe buy a beater Japanese car in the short term , something
tough, cheap, and reliable..............and  hey, maybe a subaru with the
hope its engine can eventually get into the vanagon.  
  I hope some list members can stop by at listen to it crank over at least.
Does it make 4 even pulses of compression cranking over ? .....like it
sounds normal like it should run ? 
The sound, the white smoke, the not able to run now ..........doesn't sound
good. More than a wire fell off I think it's safe to say.
Scott
www.turbovans.com 
 
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
John C...
Sent: Saturday, December 29, 2007 5:46 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: My '86 "Blue Mongrel" - R.I.P.??

Hi Anna,
There must be someone in the Portland area that could drop by to check it
out?
Anyone on the list? ;o)
From there, it sounds like to me you would be a great candidate for our
pay it forward program ??? ( not my call :o) still.... :o)
I'm sure there must be a ton of used 2.1's left over from conversions in the
area?
best,
JC...

-------------- Original message --------------
From: Anna Quinn-Smith <annasan1@COMCAST.NET>

> Wow!
> I never thought I'd have to write the list re: my now-dead (so-far) van,
but
> - here I am. I really need help & advice.
> So, of course it's Saturday, all my local trusted VW shops are closed for
the
> weekend. The LONG weekend! Which means Wed Jan 2nd before I get any clue.
The
> problems started a few days ago when I heard a 'POP' from the rear,
nothing fell
> off,tho; but after that, my '86 sounded like a putt-putt old VW. There was
lotsa
> white smoke then,too.
> Today I was headed to Vanc,WA from Portland - going 55-60 on the freeway.
> Normal. At about 15miles from home, I just lost power - 55 . . .50 . . .45
. .
> 30 . . 20 >> so I headed to emerg lane, shut off engine, put on hazards.
Engine
> would not re-start. Towed home & here I am stuck! A friend who's "into"
cars
> said might be something with compression?, head gasket? (arrgghhh ! those
awful
> two words that strike fear into VW owners!)
> Now, those who know me know my beloved van is my only link with real
> freeedom & independence. I don't walk far on my canes, and now it's too
wet for
> my mobility scooter - and I hate-hate-hate to be confined within my 1000
sq
> feet!! Add to this fixed income on Soc Sec and, yikes!
> Only thing keeping me from being really bummed is : I found out Xmas Eve
I'm
> gonna be a 1st time gramma! My only child is preggers!!! YAY!!! but how
will I
> get to Tacoma for the delivery !?!?! Another arrgghhhh . . . . say, anyone
have
> any kind of vehicle for loan/rent?
> That said, I will ponder each and every response/suggestion/miracle
workers who
> write back . . . thanx & have a safe and happy New Year! * * * ~ anna in
PDX