At that mileage things can be tired. The front cam lobes or bearings may be
worn causing low compression readings on the front cylinders. The leak down
test will indicate this and valve lift can be measured to confirm. At this
point if it is a valve or ring problem you can go for cheap to get some time
but consider doing a proper rebuild or a 2.1 upgrade.

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: Re: 85 Vanagon low compression in 2 cylinders. Suggestions?

It has ~185,000 miles on it.

On Wed, Mar 27, 2013 at 9:09 AM, Scott Chapman <scott@mischko.com> wrote:
> 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