Your mechanic should do a leak down test to determine if the problem is
cylinder or valve related. He should have suggested that while the spark
plugs were out. How many miles, which cylinders, how is oil pressure etc. ?
If the bottom end is in good shape, (oil pressure, cam shaft OK) a top end
overhaul may be all that is needed. I would possibly plan on new heads,
rings, ~14 hours labor and some other incidentals such as exhaust parts,
water pump, hoses etc. If you continue driving with the two cylinders down
you will eventually blow it up. Keep in mind that a tired engine from normal
use may also indicate many other systems are also tired. Many an engine has
been replaced to later have a support system fail damaging the replacement
or to have another major repair such as the transmission happen shortly
after.

Consider diving in and learning to do stuff on you own. $10 in tools can do
$100 in repairs and more than once. Here is the one beauty of the Vanagon!
With affordable tools you can pull the engine or transmission, no hoists
needed. Heads, pistons/cylinders can also be serviced with the engine in
place.

You can do it, We can help!

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Scott Chapman
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2013 12:10 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 85 Vanagon low compression in 2 cylinders. Suggestions?

Hi!

My '85 Westy has been having problems starting, more lately. I had it towed
to the repair shop here in San Diego and I'm told it has about 40#
compression in one cylinder and 70# in the opposite one. The other two are
much higher.

The spark plugs were in serious need of replacement and it will start and
run a bit better now.

I'm told it's $6000+ to get a good rebuilt put in.  If I keep driving it the
core charge goes up on a rebuilt.

In the future, that may be possible. Not right now.  The body and interior
are in nearly cherry condition and the rest of the mechanical is VERY good.

I love my Westy and am not happy with the idea of parting with it.

Suggestions?

Scott