Sounds like a piston or rod problem. You might be lucky if a valve retainer
failed with the valve hitting a piston which would also explain the power
loss. Any smoke or coolant in oil?

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
grant l lindberg
Sent: Sunday, December 18, 2011 12:01 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: '90 engine problem

Severe loss of power + rattling sounds from '90 engine.   I made a short
recording - the rattling is most pronounced after 6 sec,  around 8 sec there
is a "clunk",  rattling is in the recording is not as noticeable after this.

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/13252992/vanagon%20engine.mp3
Any ideas what might be happening?    I'm debating whether it will be worth
towing it to shop; I fear that repairs will be too costly.   Also,  any
recommendations for engine repair shops  in the SF bay area?   Thanks!