Date:         Thu, 26 Dec 2013 13:03:22 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Comments: To: Brian Smith <bajabrian@SBCGLOBAL.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <1388079118.86738.YahooMailNeo@web181206.mail.ne1.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

With proper diagnostics and true evaluation of future needs your approach
was sensible. Head gasket replacements are common repairs on many engines. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Brian Smith
Sent: Thursday, December 26, 2013 12:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 

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