Date:         Fri, 30 Jul 2010 15:26:17 -0400
Reply-To:     Mia Miller <miamiller@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mia Miller <miamiller@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      bad news from mechanic
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I am looking for some wisdom from those more experienced with our beloved
vans.  I took my 84 Westy to the shop for a coolant leak.  It was not
overheating on the gauge or light, but the reservoir tank was always empty
after running short trips over a couple of days.  The bad news:  the shop
said that two head gaskets are leaking (at least externally) and the
expansion tank has a leak (not significantly?).  Obviously I got expensive
estimates to repair the leaks, replace the engine with a used one, or buy a
rebuilt one.  I have used the garage before and trust them as they came
recommended to me.  However, I am looking for the cheapest way to keep her
on the road.  I also don't have the knowledge to understand the mechanical
problems myself.  The van has 121,000 miles.  Otherwise the van runs great.
I recently drove it from Pennsylvania to Indiana (home) and apart from
fussing about starting when warm, she purred right along.  It was in PA for
several months as my brother repaired some rust, small dents, and repainted
it for me.  She looks amazing...now I must figure out how to keep it
running.

Any wisdom about how I should proceed or ramifications of adding coolant and
running for a while?

Thanks!  I appreciate this list and all that it has taught me in the two
plus years of owning Maxine.

Mia