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