Here is my contribution for an 87 waterboxer: 242000 kms and counting (with original heads, gaskets, etc.) some repairs needed: 3 times bars leak after coolant changes (no noticeable temperature changes) plastic coolant manifold cracked coolant pipe (left) developed pinhole (made a nice steam cloud behind the car, like an F1 or Cart engine blowing up, however I was able to continue for a couple of kms, the coolant sprayed on the exhaust pipe) complete new (custom) exhaust system (2 cats incl. O2 sensor, 3 mufflers) cracked expansion tank cracked coolant level sensor some electrical problems with distributor replaced the "famous" blue sensor this year maintenance: new oil every 5000kms new airfilter every 10000kms new spark plugs every 15-20000kms new coolant about every 3 years comments: At about 120000kms the head gaskets began to drip. Bars Leak has certainly been cheaper so far than a head job despite the fact that there are better sealants. I still think that there are better VW engines and I find the concept of the waterboxer great however I do not like some of the engineering, therefore I am looking for a TDI engine which has the same power, much better torque which is important for off road travel and much better fuel consumption.
Björn Ratjen 1987 Syncro Est Alia (self camperized) 1995 Passat TD (1982 Vanagon Diesel) 1979 VW Bus (self- camperized) |
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