I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if the gaskets are leaking significantly, the chances of catastrophic failure n the road are pretty good. I dropped you an email a few days ago asking whereabouts you live, and I'll ask again. What part of town are you in. You might give the guys at Import Car Specialists a call and ask them for a quote to replace the gaskets. They'll probably be able to give you a figure over the phone, since it's a pretty straightforward job. Be aware, however, that there is a very real possibility of needing to replace the heads, which would get expensive, and they won't know if a replacement is required till after the heads are off. Karl Wolz ----- Original Message ----- From: "LeeAnn Medlock" <Phx13WS@AOL.COM> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2001 2:25 PM Subject: Blown head gaskets
> Hi again list. I want to thank everyone who has gotten in touch with me > about my coolant questions. I feel like I have a bunch of new friends that I > can rely on. I have gotten some bad news this afternoon though. > > I took my new Vanagon to a reputable mechanic that I have used in the past. > I am so saddened to learn that the head gaskets need to be replaced! The > previous owner had the wrong antifreeze in it to make matters worse. What I > am so shocked about is that he wants $1050 to do the work! Oh my, I don't > have that kind of money right now, I just shelled out most of what I had > into buying the thing. :( Does that kind of money sound about right? > Is it wise to drive it at all in the condition it is in? The mechanic said I > could as long as I keep the levels full? I guess I just want an opinion from > the list. > I was so looking forward to camping this weekend with it. > > Thanks, LeeAnn (85 westy) |
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