Aircooled - oil warning light

[Dartmoor]

Bad news - just spoken to the mechanic who had worked on the engine, and he had advised the previous owner that the flicker was most likely due to worn main bearings. Of course, the fault wasn't declared to me as the naive new owner!!

So, questions - HELP!

1. Can I use the van - ok, worn main bearings lead if drop in oild pressure when hot, but will it go on for a while like this?

2. Re-build - what would be the cost of main bearings being replaced? Or would I be better off just junking the engine and getting a replacement?

3. What's the best value for money Aircooled replacement I can get. REMTEC and the like seem to make the CU 2 litre the most bl**dy expensive of all at £1500! That's more than any wasserboxer, and over twice the price of a 1641cc. If I put up with loss of speed, are there any issues with just downsizing to a new 1641 cc Aircooled - will it drop straight in?

Any suggestions would be welcomed.

[jason k]

worn mains will prob run ok with a heavier oil. just keep an eye on the light. no a 1641 wont drop in its a different style motor (upright type 1 as opposed to a pancake type 4).
good second hand runners are about if you look.

i had similar probs (no compression) and bought a vege which lasted well.

[mig]

Listen to Mocki,he knows what he is talking about.
I look after my sisters Van which has run just like you describe for over two years now with no problems,including trips to France and Spain.
I put halfwits advanced mineral oil and a GSf filter on both hers(Aircooled) and my 1.9 watercooled.
You should be fine taking it anywhere,can't find the exact quote but an American website I looked at when doing some research before buying either van basically said
"Now you have your Van the next thing to do is take out really good breakdown insurance and carry the details with you at all times"
Touch wood neither of us have needed it so far.......
But really good advice.
Main thing is to get out there and enjoy it,after all if you had wanted a trouble free van you would have bought a Mazda

[Therunner]

if you had wanted a trouble free van you would have bought a Mazda

We sold a tent on ebay to a fella with one of those, he actually stood there and told me that I should have bought a mazda, apparently 'there's a club and everything'

Melvin