Date: Thu, 26 Mar 1998 08:01:13 -0800
Reply-To: Mark McCulley <raven@HALCYON.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Mark McCulley <raven@HALCYON.COM>
Subject: Re: The dreaded coolant leak (and head gaskets, oh ##**++
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John,
I recommend that you verify for yourself that you actually have a head
gasket leak. I thought I had this dreaded condition but upon close
inspection I determined that the leak's source was one of the head bolts.
Much easier to fix and cost only a few dollars. There are several sources of
coolant leaks that will appear to be head gasket leaks. You'll have to do
some detective work. Begin by removing the plate on the bottom of the engine
that covers the head that appears to be leaking. Start at the drip and trace
it back to it's source. You'll need a good light and might have to use your
finger to find the dampness. The leak source could be on top of the engine
so look around there as well. In my situation, the leak would only appear
when the engine was warmed up and running. Once you find the source you
should be able to observe it seeping out when the engine is running.
Hopefully, you'll find a leak that is not the head gasket. Good luck.
Mark McCulley
87 syncro Westy
At 04:04 PM 3/25/98 -0700, john silverman wrote:
>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
>
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