Date:         Wed, 25 Mar 1998 16:04:48 -0700
Reply-To:     john silverman <jsilver@MAIL.AROS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         john silverman <jsilver@MAIL.AROS.NET>
Subject:      The dreaded coolant leak (and head gaskets, oh ##**++
Comments: To: VANAGON@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Hi All...

I'm a recent (3 months) owner of a 90 syncro westie, with only 70k miles.
Last week, I noted some coolant hanging on to the frame under the Right side
of the engine.  While I had the vehicle in to a service guy (VW specialist,
but not dealer) I had him check it out....The Bad News:  He says it's the
head gaskets!!!!

Several questions, as in where do I go from here?
        He quoted about $1000 to replace the head gaskets (assuming the
heads themselves are ok- which after only 70,000 miles we all expect them to be)
Is this a reasonable price??
        Is it worth going to an authorized VW dealer for this repair for
perhaps better service, and a 12 month 12,000 mile warranty?  (one of the
dealers around here-Salt Lake City- quoted me about $1,300)
        I've seen postings about some people who were able to get VW to
cover this under a goodwill program.  Any recommendations on how to go about
this- attempting to get coverage for this recognized flaw in the design?
(I'm hoping that this is possible, as the vehicle has only 70,000 mmiles on it.)
        What about a rebuild/ new engine-I've read somewhere about people
putting in new or remanufactured VW engines (through the dealer) and getting
a reasonable price and a good warranty?  Is this economically feasible? stupid?
        Lastly, any recommendations on a Salt Lake City area shop for all my
VW needs?
Thanks...John