Date:         Wed, 04 Dec 1996 17:07:55 -0500
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Jeff Diebolt <jdiebolt@up.net>
Subject:      Re: Freeze plug leaking coolant, Leaking head gasket-diesel

>I am wondering if I should replace the head gasket with a "turbo" head gasket
>to avoid a possible breakdown far from home.
> 
>Any experiences with adding a turbo to a non-turbo car?
>
>Much warning before the head gasket goes? 
>
>Thanks for any info.
>Brent Taylor
>taylrbc@aol.com

My first head gasket gave me no warning at all. I was coming home from a
baseball game with my kids, I turned the corner and the overheat light came
on. I pulled over and shut the engine off immediately. I figured what the
heck and started the engine, the temp was fine and the light was off. I
drove the last 6 mile home woth no problem. Apparently when the gasket went
it put some compression into the coolant system and shutting it down caused
it to burp. I replaced the head gasket the next day. Reused the head bolts.
My second head gasket was actually a broken timing belt. I had about 70,000
miles on the belt and I figured that I would replace it at 100,000 miles.
The belt decided different. I ended up replacing all the guides and all the
valves. Also broke 3 of the cam followers. Luckily it didn't lunch out the
head or the block.
Greetings from Michigan's Upper Peninsula
Jeff & Jean-Marie Diebolt
jdiebolt@up.net