79 2.0L engine Help

[busbum]

I have a 79 camper bus which I pulled the 2.0l Fuel Injected engine and stripped down to the heads, as I had almost no compression in three of the cylinders. I found a '78 FI 2.0l motor that apparently had run, but wasn't able to get started. I was going to switch the heads onto my 79 engine until I learned that the parts are not interchangeable. I don't know if I can easily test the compression in the mystery 78, and swap the 79 FI system onto the 78 motor or if the FI systems are interchangeable or not. I am at a loss of what direction I should take, should I work on the 78 or scrap it and buy a rebuild kit and refurbish my heads for the 79. On top of all of this the 78 has been under a tarp out side, and the 79 has gotten a little bit of rain when my garage has been left open. So should I scrap everything use the money I would use on the kit and the heads and buy a running 2.0L. My bus has been out of action over a year, if anyone can direct me in the right direction or give me any information I would be very grateful.

[wildthings]

You can get a pretty good idea of the compression by turning the engine over by hand. If you feel compression as each piston goes through its compression stroke you are good. If one or more cylinders don't offer much resistance you may be not so good.

If you have gotten engine oil up into the cylinders while manhandling the engine this will skew your results to the positive side, while gummed up rings will give inaccurate results until the engine has been run for a bit.

[rockerarm]

There are always ideas out there. Do not know where you are located at, but if I was solicited to assist a customer with a potential basket case project, I would perform a leakdown test to start. Also, I would try and get it started on the ground by possibly installing carbs as a temp measure. A bell housing with starter and cables is basic stuff. Possibly try and find a VW technician who is able to help you out as a "side job". Once one can get it at least cranking and get oil pressure up to the hydraulic lifters, one can see if any serious issues are present. Lots of ways this job can go and I would be writing a book if I kept proceeding. Hope this leads you down the correct path. Bill