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Date:         Mon, 10 Apr 2000 18:10:30 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric.Small@SAPPI-NA.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Small <Eric.Small@SAPPI-NA.COM>
Subject:      86GL-Do I need a new engine?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Folks, I am getting compression gas in my cooling system. At high RPM coolant is pushed out. I understand this means either a cracked head or gasket failure? All was absolutely fine until I performed my routine annual cooling system drain/fill/bleed before putting the van up for winter. Symptoms appeared immediately after the process (which I have done successfully many times). I confirmed presence compression gas with a block tester as earlier advised by listees.

This is only 25K miles and 4 years after having my formerly local VW dealer (Metro VW, Dallas, TX) installed new heads. VW has declined to assist now.

With 180K miles on the clock do I... A. spend $500 +/- to have the heads resealed, B. spend $1600+/- to replace heads, or C. spend $3000+/- to rebuild/replace engine?

This has been a meticulously cared for and maintained van... mostly highway miles in Texas. I *loose* less than 1/2 qt of oil between 3Kmile oil changes. It runs strong and sounds great... the determining factor will not be *investment* minded... I will be buried in my van!

I've been told by several folks that I'm wasting my money repairing the existing engine due to internal block component age/mileage. Any thoughts from ya'll?

Now that I'm in Maine could anyone recommend a knowledgeable, conscientious, honest Vanagon or at least VW specialist in the Southern Maine area to do this work?

Thanks! Eric

South Portland, Maine

'86 GL Weekender


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