Six years ago I purchased an abused tin top Syncro with 200,000 miles. At 210,000 miles the head gaskets went. All the "experts" said; "too old, have to rebuild," etc. Besides hydrocarbon issues and loosing coolant, it ran fine. I also only had to add oil about every 1,200 to 1,500 miles as well. With the engine in place my mechanic removed and cleaned up the heads. We did not send them to be machined. Reinstalled the heads with new phosphate free coolant. Result: That was five years ago and 30,000 miles have passed. Still runs great, no hydrocarbon issues or loss of coolant. I am no mechanic, but if money is an issue and a van runs okay in the first place... I say if it ain't broke don't fix it. At least that was my experience. Oh yes, it continues to pass California emissions every time as well. Syncronaut, Brian |
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