The 01/86 1.9L wasserboxer Syncro that I brought back from Germany had both of it's head replaced in 1998 according to the receipt that I have. There is now 170,000 kilometers on the odometer. I think the problem is everywhere, not just in North America. I think there is a feeling that there is less of a problem in Europe as there is a lot of Diesel and Turbo Diesel models running around. Both of my good friends replaced the head gaskets on their 1.6TDs so.... David Marshall Fast Forward Automotive Inc. 4356 Quesnel Hixon Road Quesnel BC Canada V2J 6Z3 mailto:info@fastforward.ca <mailto:info@fastforward.ca> http://www.fastforward.ca <http://www.fastforward.ca> Phone: (250) 992 7775 FAX: (250) 992 1160 . Vanagon Accessories and Engine Conversions . Vanagon, Transporter and Iltis Sales and Importation . European Lighting for most Volkswagen models
-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf Of Barry E. Muller Sent: February 16, 2002 12:58 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: WBX reliability - is it held in low regard in Europe?
Does anyone on the list know if the WBX is held in low regard in Europe (Germany)? If it isn't then what is the difference? Better maintenance? Just curious because I'm new to this and was wondering if there is a reason for all the reported problems with this engine on this side of the pond, or if it is just truly a poor design (which I doubt). Of course, perhaps the answer lies in the fact that the new S. African Vanagons are all (?) sold with the inline engines. The bottom line is I like the Vanagon and bus styles, but need something that isn't likely to leave the family stranded by the side of the road. If there is a maintenance regime that will keep the water boxer reliable (and maybe even improve the mileage), then I sure want to know about it. If I can only expect average reliability and better mileage from an engine swap, then so be it. bem |
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