1987 Vanagon GL seized?

Question

I bought this thing 2 weeks ago and have chased cooling system leaks all over the place, replaced the water pump thermostat and lower housing. welded the coolant pipe , exhaust pipe and helicoiled a spark plug that I found hanging below the breather box. I started her up and went around the block then BUZZZZ the oil pressure light and buzzer were screaming and poof s*it loads of smoke temp guage read under the

2/3 mark the whole time. i shut her down when the smoke was blowing and pulled over. Yes it has a fram oil filter on it, actually did not now. I towed her home and repaired a few more small leaks ready to test drive her again and It won't turn over now. I towed it again behind my truck trying to bump start her with no luck. Any good ideas on how to try and bust her loose if not, what do you think the best engine repair/replacement options are? Tiico audi motor? How much is it? Thanks

Nate Nagel · Accepted Answer

Put a claim in to Fram. Their POS filter fried your engine, running without oil will do that. I am surprised it locked up so quick but it is their boo boo.

Oh, yeah, don't use Fram filters. They suck ass.

nate

Jo Bo · Answer

Just a guess but try removing all the plugs and see if it turns. You may have acylinder hydrolocked. My 84 vanagon tried to do that to herself once or twicebefore I resealed the heads.JoBo

KimBrennan · Answer

As to replacement engine alternatives.

I've a tiico powered Vanagon. It took a while to work out all the little issues (common with any conversion), but it's a blast to drive now.

I'm also getting an SVX powered Camper soon. Probably too expensive for most to contemplate. However Subaru 2.2 engines are rumored to be very good conversion candiates for Vanagons. Be aware, however that ANY conversion will have niggling little issues to resolve for quite some time after the initial conversion (and will make it harder to get service too.)

A few folk have gone with the Subaru 2.5 engine, the WRX 2.0 turbo engine. After that you start talking about one-offs (the Porsche 3.6 liter 6, or the Chevy V6, even the VR6 VW engine).

Other possibilities are a switch to diesel. The VW Vanagons did have a 1.6 diesel (woefully underpowered), but 1.9Turbo diesels have been swapped.

Staying closer to the original. Boston Bob makes a big valve waterboxer engine, and GoWesty sells overbored 2.3/2.4 engines.

Your wallet and shop expertise are all that stand in your way.

"I'm sorry, all my money is tied up in currency." W.C.Fields

1987 Vanagon GL seized?

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