Tow it home. If it is an atuomatic you will need to limit your
distance and speed, or remove the rear axles. If I'm ever broke down
at any distance away from home this is what I'll do rather than have
a butcher mechanic repair my Van knowing he will never see you again.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          72-240z
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler

On Tue, 19 Oct 1999, John Rodgers wrote:

> 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
>