Date:         Sun, 14 Oct 2001 15:10:04 -0700
Reply-To:     TinkerMan <tinkerman007@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         TinkerMan <tinkerman007@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      ## 1998 head gasket failure survey results
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Hello Volks!

I have just found that my head gaskets have started
leaking (3 out of 4). This is really a bad surprise
because I have had the motor completely factory
rebuilt about 3 years and 50K Km ago, and have been
religiously using only the recommended G10 coolant.
This van is really starting to sink money fast...:-(
As far as I can find from the list archives, there is
no "simple" head gasket replacement procedure. Haynes
recommends against doing it in-vehicle (due to
possible complications), while Bentley says it's
possible but the procedure seems extremely complex for
a tree-less shadetree mechanic...(actually, a parking
lot tool-poor mechanic...).
I get the feeling that head gasket replacement is
still a major operation (because the heads are usually
pitted too) and requires carefull alignment which I
don't have sufficient experience with. I also HATE the
feeling of going into another major engine operation
after spending $2500 3 years ago and still feeling the
problem might return again shortly. Indeed, my
confidence in the motor is really shaken...
This is in addition to the other expensive repair
bills I've faced (Tires, Breaks, clutch, R&P steering,
etc... I have an 11 year old GL, 6 years with me). I
love this van but HATE it's mechanical nightmares...
SSSooo...since I know I'll have a major problem soon
(right now I just have coolant signs at the heads, no
major leak) I want to be prepared.

1. I've read about the ceramic head coatings and
improved head bolts on the list and feel it's a move
in the right direction, but before I decide, I'd like
to know what were the survey results done around '98.
There was even a web page for collecting inputs. I
never found mention on the list about them, except an
appology from the initiator (Steven Schwenk) that due
to personal issues could not complete the mission (I
do hope his personal difficulties were solved to the
best in the end).

2. I'd also like to know if anyone can provide a
verified solution based on personal experience for the
damned head gasket problem. Robert Lilly was aiming
for a 200K miles engine life in one of his posts.
Well Robert, did you get there?...:-)
Anyone got a 200K motor (original or after overhaul)
still running without a major problem?

3. Can the head gasket fix be done in-situ, by a
competent hobbiest without a lift or special tools, or
should I stay away from it? Any detailed
instructions/pictures on the web (Bentley is very
sparse on explanations. Haynes doesn't recommend it at
all).

4. Of course, I'd prefer a DIY $100 gasket replacemnt
to a $1000 major operation. Can it be done,
considering my motor should be in good shape
otherwise?

5. What is the current life-span expectancy of the
waterleaker if maintained properly (head gasket alone,
and the rest of the motor if much better)?

6. I'd like to stay away from a motor conversion,
since I'm not a professional mechanic and have no
relevant facilities. The dealer mechanics have a hard
enough time with a standard setup, let alone a
hybrid...

Give me hope!...:-)


=====
Cheers,
         TinkerMan

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Make a great connection at Yahoo! Personals.
http://personals.yahoo.com