Date:         Mon, 31 Jan 2005 15:47:54 -0800
Reply-To:     Peter <peter.linsley@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Peter <peter.linsley@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: what steps can be taken to diagnose head gasket problems?
Comments: To: Robbie Cotner <robw_z@yahoo.com>
In-Reply-To:  <20050131222802.8398.qmail@web21325.mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Your list should certainly cover it (with visual inspection for leaks)
but at 110,000 the bottom line as I understand it is that if the heads
have not already been replaced, they most likely need replacing anyway
or will in the very near future. On top of the mechanic telling you
they are in good working order, you need to know that they have
already been replaced.

I had a complete pre-purchase inspection on mine and it should cost
under $100. Make sure you also look for rust and other body related
issues yourself. The pre-purchase inspection does not usually take
these into account.

Cheers.


On Mon, 31 Jan 2005 14:28:02 -0800, Robbie Cotner <robw_z@yahoo.com> wrote:
> I'm about to buy a 110,000 mile '85 Westy, and before I lay down the cash I'd like to be as sure as possible that the heads aren't on their way out.  Though I am pretty mechanical myself, I plan on taking the van to a mechanic since I think the sellers would be more comfortable with a professional opinion.  What should I ask him to look for?
> My thoughts:
> -Compression Test
> -Leak-down Test
> -Cooling system pressure Test
> -Visual inspection(of what?)
>
> The Mechanic will most certainly NOT be VW-competent since I'm in a small town in the middle of nowhere and no VW's. Any help here is greatly appreciated.  Anybody know what it usually costs to have these tests done?
> Thanks for any help,
> -Rob
>
>
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