there are at least 15 answers to that question.
could be lots of things.

On 5/10/2012 2:40 PM, Jon Durham wrote:
> What could be the low power issue if all checks out well?
>
> On 5/8/2012 11:35 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>> Before condemning an engine proper diagnoses needs to be performed.
>>
>> 1) Unusual noises or smoking.
>> 2) Oil pressure cold and hot, idle and at speed.
>> 3) Cylinder compression-leak down test.
>> 4) Valve lift (cam shaft wear)
>> 5) Oil and coolant analysis to make sure there is no mixing or excessive
>> wear particles.
>>
>> The major problem with rebuilding these engines is the condition of the
>> engine case. It is common for the 1.9 cases to get pounded out at the
>> main
>> bearings and this is the usual cause of low oil pressure problems if the
>> case is no align bored.
>>
>> If the above checks good then the engine itself is not the cause of
>> your low
>> power concerns.
>>
>> Dennis
>>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On
>> Behalf Of
>> Jon Durham
>> Sent: Tuesday, May 08, 2012 7:30 PM
>> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>> Subject: New Engine Wanted: 85 Vanagon
>>
>> I know there is probably a mountain of info on this digest about
>> acquiring a
>> new engine.
>>
>> I think my engine is slowly dying.  Doesn't seem to have the nearly
>> the pep
>> it had just a few years ago.
>>
>> My mechanic in Huntsville is leery of the rebuild engines for sale from
>> Vanagon part suppliers.
>>
>> Who supplies a reliable engine for my 85 Vanagon?
>> --
>> "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains
>> unawakened."
>> Anatole France
>>
>>
>
> --
> "Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains
> unawakened." Anatole France
>