Had an unusual event in my '88 Westy a couple of days ago. I was heading up
a long incline (the Sepulveda Pass on the Sepulveda Pass on the 405 in Los
Angles) when I started to lose power badly. When I pulled over I saw a
slight oil leakage on the pavement below the engine compartment.

The mechanic - who is honest but not a VW guy - said that the dipstick had
been blown out, and later said this could be indicative of needing a ring
job or a complete engine rebuild. He said that for now, he's left the
dipstick not fully pushed in to avoid the pressure buildup.

The problem is that I was to leave tomorrow (Tuesday) morning on a trip
from Los Angeles to my new place in Seattle, a trip of more than 1,000
miles.

Anyone have experience with dipstick blowout? Is it usually indicative of
needing an engine rebuild? Is this a serious sign that I should not take
the Westy on the road?

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

Chris in Los Angeles