Date:         Wed, 30 May 2001 13:36:17 -0500
Reply-To:     Chris Stann <ChrisS@INFORMS.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris Stann <ChrisS@INFORMS.COM>
Subject:      Re: what the vw waterboxer offers?? wasRe: 85 Westfalia beeping
Comments: To: Aristotle Sagan <killer_jupiter@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <F211jQH7IA5YFLf71qF00009ece@hotmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

1.) 1.9 with leaking from compression into waterjacket problem (20k)

Is that 20K miles since factory new, a 'rebuilt', or 'resealed heads'?

2.) 1.9 with nursed along blown out sparkplug hole (milage unknown)

Overtightened spark plug or over heated engine?  Since its mileage is
unknown, you can't discuss specifics.  DPO factor.

3.) 2.0 burning oil(milage unknown)
4.) 2.0 sitting with incorrectly rebuilt (DPO) bottom end (one tooth off cam
to crank). (< 5k)

2 above are air-cooled.  We're talking WBX here.  Both DPO factor.

**************

People seem to miss an important point.  WBX few problems can be fixed
fairly easily during a rebuild.  A properly rebuilt WBX with new
ceramic-coated heads and high-quality head studs, and perhaps a few other
performance enhancements, is cheaper in the long run than a used Subaru
motor.

I realize we can argue this point forever, so I shall retire from the
subject right now.  But, before I go, here's a quote from a
Subaru-conversion owner:

"Subaru engines are OK, but they are afflicted with similar head gasket
problems and are expensive to fix. They also have 2 count em 2 timing belts
that have to be replaced at about 60,000 miles, again not cheap. The belts
are also known to fail before their time. I know I own a Subaru now with
206,000 miles and the head gaskets went the second time. I also have a 1990
Vanagon GL with 160,000 miles only one head gasket failure so far. NO
STINKING TIMING BELTS EITHER."

Thanks for your time,

Chris.





_________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com