My wife has had some serious health problems, so I haven't been here for
awhile.  Now I'm returning with a request for some diagnostic assistance.

Last week presented me with three auto failures.  Our '88 Waterboxer lost a
cylinder after making some ugly sounds, my '92 Jetta GLi put a piece of the
final drive through the side of the transaxle, and the '86 Audi 5000 I
borrowed popped a radiator hose.  Managed to get em all home w/out being
stranded.  Three is it, right?

The Vanagon began making a loud knocking which I began to think was a
collapsed lifter.  Changed the oil and filter to 10W/30 in hopes of possibly
freeing the lifter.  No good.  One cylinder is not firing and the knock
persists.  Engine has 96K on it.  Had heads replaced at 50K.  Has been well
maintained.  Towed to our local VW mechanic who says there is no compression
in that cylinder.  He is offering a rebuilt longblock for,  $4,500
installed.  :(

He thinks that either I have holed a piston or dropped a connecting rod.
Anyone on the list know of any failures that could present like this but not
require an engine replacement?

I'd appreciate any thoughts that you might have.

Walking in Connecticut:  Gary