Date: Thu, 23 Jan 1997 08:20:08 -0500 (EST)
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: ERIC ZENO <emz@pgh.nauticom.net>
Subject: Last Word in Head Gaskets
Head Gaskets-- The last word!
If Anyone reads this list for a month or so one thing that is
clear is that VW had Head Gasket problems. Vanagon 2.1, golf Desial,
Jetta etc., they all had problems. The biggest misconception that
I feel is not told or understood is that the problem was isolated
to VW. Many Auto manufactures also have this problem. I have been
working in a Garage for 7 years, part time. We have replaced
many Head Gaskets, but not 1 on a Vanagon. Recently we broke a
record, for our shop. 8 in 1 week, all on GM Cars. After talking
to the night time mechanic, (he works at a Chevy dealer during
the day) he proposed that the problem started to acure, when the
heads on engines became, dissimillar medal to the block. So I
asked him, how many head gaskets had he changed. He said "At least
100 a year, It's the biggest money maker for the dealer repair shop
ever. I can do a 9 hour head gasket job in 3 hours", he said. I
thought to myself and asked "how did you learn that?" His response
was "I have it down to and exact science. I know exactly what has
to come off, what has to be replaced, and even how long the new
gasket will last." He even said he had replaced the same head
gasket on the same car 4 time over a 6 years. I asked "what did
the customer think? He said "We charge the customer 1/2 price
and everyone is happy, the job has become as routine as changing
brakes". Then I asked "I wonder what the problem is with Vanagons"
His reply- """"There is safety in numbers"""" .
Conclusion: Your Vanagon does not have any more head gasket
problems then anyone else. VW of America sales screwed us
good. They must be fat and happy. Without quantities of
knowledgable people Vanagon owner pay full prices for repairs.
Parts became single sourced, witch leads to higher prices.
Eric Zeno <emz@nauticom.net>
86 VW-4x4
86 GL For Sale (Pgh. PA)
72 240Z 1936 Chrysler
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