First, let me say a big thanks to all who have responded to my problem
with phone calls and to the gracious posts on my behalf by Ken Wilfy,
Joel Cort, and Joel Walker.

As I gather more information, my needs change. Here are the facts, and
some questions. If any can point me in a direction it would be
appreciated.

The cylinder on the left side of the vehicle, forward toward the driver,

is the one that blew the piston. Symptoms were massive white smoke out
the tail pipe, aluminum particles welded to the spark plug, "Zero"
compression, case pressurization with leaking valve cover gaskets after
running engine with new gaskets  installed.

Questions:
1) Would it be possible to just pull and change a  cylinder and
piston/rings with corresponding head work. Or
What would you recommend given the symptoms.

2) Can anyone recommend a competent shop somewhere in the Oklahoma City
area. I can have the vehicle moved there.

3) Can I tow the vehicle on its own wheels. I'm thinking of maybe
renting a Ryder or U-haul van to haul my gear in, and perhaps trying to
tow the Vanagon behind all the way to Birmingham, AL which is my final
destination. I've a top mechanic there that I trust. Can this be done
with the van, given its rear engine/transaxle configuration.

Any and all suggestions would be appreciated.

John Rodgers
580-323-6840   Room 130  Clinton, OK