Thanks for everyones help in the compression issue on my 87 gl !!  It was a
pushrod that was off center of the lifter.  I no have even compression all
the way around.  I adjusted all the tappets last night and it started
almost immedietly!! (but it was really noisy.  I let it run a little bit to
see if it would quite down and it never did.  I let it cool down and
readjusted all of the tappets again and it started and sounded great.  BUT,
after it ran for a moment white smoke started coming out of the exhaust
(WHATS UP?)

I figure it is still something to do with the lifters / valves right ?

Thanks

james b morris - Optimistic in Dallas
69 Bug
73 Bus
87 Vanagon GL