Always good to hear a happy ending! Now go do some happy motoring this weekend!

Touche!Thanks for making me smile about this Rich!

Thanks dbrock.Like I wrote in an earlier post, cylinder #4’s exhaust valve spring is partially compressed; about a quarter inch or so. That means there is about a 99.9% chance that valve is partially open, either because a valve guide or valve seat is messed up or the valve stem is bent. With the valve open…no compression test!

Jerry,Is your brother’s TD VW based? Or front engine?If it is VW based, it is likely the titling state used the VW pan vin, which is stamped into the center tunnel, under the TD’s seat.If it is front engine, there might be a VIN plate ona door jamp, under the hood on the firewall, perhaps near the windshield where factory built cars have their VIN plate.

Duh. Um, no. I didn’t think to do that! But I will.
It’s likely not the issue. If the valve had broken off, I don’t think the valve spring would be compressed the way it is.

Good idea Mark. I posted my story on thesamba.com
The first responder agrees it sounds like a bent valve. PMOSSBERG40323.6362384259

That, indeed, is a mystery.
The valve is solidly retained by the clip. Rocker arms and shaft are fine.
The spring “looks” ok. But like I wrote, it is slightly compressed (about a quarter inch or so).
It’s possible a really loose rocker arm/valve combo could let the push-rod slip out of it’s cup. But even if that happened, it does not help explain…[Read more]

In case you did not get it from one of the SOC guys, this is the speedster forum:http://www.speedsterowners.com/main.asp

Hey I wish I was retired too!Richard…just from eyeballing the pictures…the pan has not yet been shortened. And the front end looks pretty rusted. Only visible suspension component is the front beam and that has been stripped bare of even the grease fittings. No visible torsion bars, no upper or lower control arms. Ad already says no engine or…[Read more]

I don’t have photoshop. That’s just an amateur cut and paste.I’ve gone as far into the motor as I can with it still in the car.And the next couple weekends are filled. So I won’t be able to get the motor out for at least a few weekends.

Hey, I made it to Carlisle, albeit a bit late.
I bet someone with real talent could make this picture look real.
ke
 PMOSSBERG40322.6865856481

I’ll keep updating this thread as the diagnosis continues. But that won’t be for at least a couple weekends.
And anyone with any ideas, feel free to share them.
 

Wobby…let us see photos before you do that and end up looking like this….

The 2011 Carlisle Import & Kit Nationals will be held
May 20-22, 2011

Will, it’s become apparent over the years that car guys, in general, are easy to amuse!
Ed et al, stay tuned to the Engine Trouble thread for updates. It’ll be a while though. I’m gonna have to drop theengien to continue the diagnosis. And that won’t happen for at least a couple weeks.
OK Richard, who let the cat out of the bag about Max’s “Volvo…[Read more]

Didn’t think you were making light. It’s just always a good idea to keep a thread “on topic” and not stray away into something else.
Thanks.

Will,
I enjoy the pictures. But I’m looking for some input on my engine problems and your pictures have nothing to do with this.
I moved your posts to a new one in General Discussions called  Washington Will’s Engine Photos. If you have any more (and they are great!) please post them there.
Thanks man. I appreciate it.PMOSSBERG40322.4758912037

Thanks oldbuzz. Yeah, I’m figuring I’m gonna end up dropping the engine out. Dang!
But VW Type 1 engine cylinders are numbered like this:
Front of car
    3   1
    4   2
Rear of Car
Firing order is 1432.
My valve problem is with cylinder #4.
http://z.about.com/w/experts/Volkswagen-801/2009/01/VW-Firin g-Order.pngPMOSSBERG40322.4430324074

Will,
Classic Roadsters ran the full filler pipe up to the radiator cap onthe VW kits.
I’ve had much fun over the years seeing the paniced look on gas station attendants’ faces when I start pumping gasoline into my “radiator”.PMOSSBERG40322.4321412037

The names are in the correct order in my inital poat.