Now that my '59 bus is running at the LEAKOIL acceptable level of 90% "right"
I figure I better get the Oval engine sorted out while the car is at Bill's for the headliner/interior.
Dual Port (Bruce) was kind enough to offer to run my engine on his test stand to see what I had. This is essentially a mystery motor, but it was rebuilt previously by an unknown builder with unknown results.
Since I really couldn't say what was or wasn't done, Bruce decided to put the engine through a few tests. We started with a compression test. Some bad news out of the box, but not fatal. #1 101, #2 87, #3 117, #4 110. So #2 is a problem. Bruce took the time to explain to me the leakdown test process then proceeded to do it. I was hoping for a valve problem, but it's coming from the piston/ring cylinder area. Bruce showed me how to listen for the compressed air escaping. I could hear it clearly from the oil cap. What's another rebuild in my life?
Heads seemed ok.
Next Bruce checked the cam lobes to be sure I wasn't running anything worn and they seemed ok. Also end play was checked and while there was some, Bruce said he'd run it as is since it wasn't that much. Engine oil pressure was a 44lbs.
Bruce took the time to go over the timing procedure and TDC location. Again, this was a great refresher course. Bruce explained things in an easy to understand manner that even I could comprehend!
So much of my learning normally comes from reading, but I've found with mechanical items it's much easier to learn by watching the actual procedure.
The day was not without it's usual mishaps!
Message to Sean. It might be smart to put an oil sensor in the oil sensor hole before cranking the motor!
Another message to Sean. It might be a good idea to put the clean out bolt in the float bowl of the carb berfore trying to pre-load the bowl with gas before starting.
And yes, Bruce actually got the motor running, and despite the test results, it sounded pretty good. This will be another good learning experience.
All in all, a great experience.
Many thanks to Bruce for opening up his shop and offering me his time to learn some ABC's of engine analysis. I really learned something. And Bruce's shop is awesome. And his '66 is really coming along and the pictures, to date, don't do it justice.
A fire extinguisher is a good thing to have handy with Sean in the house!
Hey, we have to have one blurry picture.
When tested, oil pressure was at 44lbs.
Leakdown test revealed probable problem with #2 rings/cylinder.
I need to get a table like this!
Compression test.
I love this little tranny case/starter unit that Bruce has. More compact than an engine stand.
That was one clean garage floor, till I leaked oil all over it!
If only VW stopped making engines with the 25/36 horse! 
