Hi folks,

A couple of you requested details regarding the post I made yesterday about
Dad's '86 Westfalia.

110,000 miles.  Dad took it to the repair shop because the engine was making
a "ticking noise".  The noise is louder when the engine starts and eases a
bit after that.  It is not "horrendous".  Dad is not a mechanic but he has
been driving cars for 55 years and to him, it sounds like valve clatter.
For what it's worth, the mechanic at the repair shop (not a VW specialist)
did say there is a burned valve (or valves.)

There is no loss of power.

Dad also mentioned multiple oil leaks.  The Vanagon is parked now at the
repair shop; so far they've replaced the filler tube and oil filter, both of
which had holes.  Apparently there is some leaking from somewhere else also.
Possibly unrelated to the valves?

Well.  The repair shop is advising an engine replacement.  Is there much
possibility that they're wrong about the valves?  Perhaps it would be worth
taking it to a VW specialist.  Any suggestions or direction would be
appreciated.

Thanks,

Dave