Date:         Mon, 16 Aug 2004 20:57:16 -0500
Reply-To:     Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
Subject:      Re: head gaskets, my turn
In-Reply-To:  <412162BE.3020401@pangea.stanford.edu>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed

Having a mechanic ask about the timing belt on a 2.1 is about like
asking for a radiator hose on a '63 beetle. Don't go back there.

Jim

On Aug 16, 2004, at 8:43 PM, Joel VanderKwaak wrote:

> Update time :)
>
> Got in my van this morning, backed out of the garage, and there was a
> 'clunk' from the engine, followed by a loud squeal. Guess the water
> pump
> gave up the ghost, conveniently at home rather than at 75mph on 280.
>
> As I'm quite pressed for time, I had the van towed to my local shop
> (European Auto Works in Mtn View) to get the water pump replaced.
> Definitely more expensive than if I did the work myself, but that's
> life.
>
> One question I was asked at the shop is 'has the timing belt ever been
> replaced?" As I don't recall a relevant discussion on the list, could
> one of the list sages let me know if this is really something to
> consider? I'll dig through the archives as well.
>
> Joel VanderKwaak wrote:
>
>> Hey again,
>>
>> Cooler heads than mine suggested I investigate further to eliminate
>> hoses and water pump as possible sources. I spent the last few hours
>> under the engine, degreasing and cleaning off the Baja dirt and.... it
>> looks like the source may be the water pump! Great news, and thanks so
>> much for the 'slow down boy, think a little'.
>>
>> Thanks a ton,
>>
>> Joel
>>
>> Joel VanderKwaak wrote:
>>
>>> Howdy,
>>>
>>> Joy, joy, I found a puddle of coolant under my engine this morning :(
>>> The van is a '91 with just over 80K miles. I'm scheduled to take a
>>> 4000
>>> mile drive to Northern BC beginning Labour Day. I do not have enough
>>> free time to tinker myself, so I'll need professional help (as will
>>> the
>>> van).
>>>
>>> So, a couple questions:
>>> (1) what's a typical SF Bay area cost for an engine coolant leak
>>> triage
>>> and head gasket replacement
>>> (2) if that cost is high, should I bite the bullet and just swap in a
>>> rebuilt engine
>>>
>>> Up until this morning the van ran exceptionally well. I've been
>>> putting
>>> alot of miles on it since taking a job with a 100+ mile round-trip
>>> commute two months ago.
>>>
>>> Thanks,
>>>
>>> Joel
>>>
>>>
>>
>