The engine has tested for low compression. It
starts great cold but has some history of stalling at temperature due
to not making enough power. The van was given a tune in September 2024
and it was drivable at the time although it was only driven in town
(last driven December). The writing is on the wall for the engine
as it is for any original engine on one of these vans. The low compression is due to poorly sealing piston rings. Piston
ring service is an engine-out service so a good time to refresh
seals/rings/gaskets anyway. My mechanic informally quoted the service
as $7500 (parts and labour). The price can go up depending on how
much you want to replace inside if your intent is to bring everything
to 10/10. On the top end another option is to get a
new/rebuilt
crate engine. These engines are tested before shipment so it could
be a DIY job for the person who is comfortable pulling an engine an
dropping in a fresh one. These engine designs are 40 years old and much
simpler than a modern motor. My mechanic said the labour to install a
new/rebuilt motor starts at $2900 (17 hours labour charge) if you don't
fancy DIY.