Do the checks suggested, and go through Tejon Pass and the Siskiyou's during
the day when it will be easier to get a tow truck!  Hopefully you'll make it
to Seattle where we have several good VW shops, two Subaru conversion shops
and one Bostig and Subaru conversion shop.  And, there is a factory
authorized VW transmission shop too.  You and your Vanagon will be very
happy here!

Good luck!

Stuart
Seattle, where there is a VW van of some sort on every street

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Chris Paquette
Sent: Monday, October 07, 2013 6:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Dipstick Blowing Out? Urgent.

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