Thanks for all of the replies.

Of course, I sent out the first email far later than I should have... the
job is actually "underway" so I guess I'll have to pass up on the leakdown
test.  I'm swapping out the heads with ones the machinist has already had
his hands on, so if its valves it will be taken care of.  If leakage is at
the rings, should I be able to tell that their past their wear limits when
I'm in there?

If I do have a worn camshaft after 100,000 miles, does that indicate some
sloppy maintenance at some point in the past?

Mike... (on whether I really want to do the heads)
pretty sure (I hope!).  My leak is small so I could easily put off dealing
with it.  We want to drive cross country this summer though, so I'm less
excited about taking chances with that.

Thanks again,
Wes

On Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 6:30 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
wrote:

> You need to do a leak down test to determine if there is a leakage problem
> at the rings or valves. If the leakage is consistent on all 4 than the
> front-back difference indicates a worn camshaft. It can still run for a
> good long time like that.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> pickle vanagon
> Sent: Thursday, April 24, 2008 11:07 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Compression Numbers (in advance of head job)
>
> I'm planning on starting my head job tomorrow.
>
> I did a compression test tonight to get an idea of where I'm at in terms
> of
> engine wear.  As the cylinders are physically laid out in front of you
> when
> you're standing behind the engine, I have:
> 150 150
> 170 170
>
> give or take a few psi.  This is an '83 1.9l engine with a little under
> 100,000 miles.  I seem to get pretty good mileage (19mpg combination
> around
> town, light highway.)
>
> Is this front back difference a bit weird?  I was wondering if the list
> might have some opinions one specific things I should be looking for with
> these numbers when I pull the heads.  (The heads are just coming off
> because
> of a slow gasket leak).
>
> Thanks very much for any advice,
> Wes
>
> '83 1.9l. westy
>
>