Date:         Wed, 22 Jul 1998 13:20:23 -0500
Reply-To:     Fred Younger <f1y@CSM1.DOIT.WISC.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Fred Younger <f1y@CSM1.DOIT.WISC.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Head gasket questions...
Comments: To: vanagon@vanagon.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Depending on where you buy them, the gaskets will cost you about $100 to
$250 to do both sides.  I'd recommend one of the vendors that get mentioned
on this list or a FLAPS that deals in quality European parts.  The VW dealer
will be more expensive than you need to pay (that's the $250 estimate).

I would check the compression first and use that as a guide to whether you
want to just do the gaskets, a top end rebuild (heads & rings) or a full
rebuild.  Judging from past comments on the list, I'd be inclined to
try a top end rebuild if the compression is low.  Your mileage is not too
high and supposedly the crankshaft and main bearings last longer than
that.

Also judging from others' comments, if you have pits in the head where
the gasket goes you can fill them with JB Weld.

Now from my own experience -- the head repair is time consuming but not
too difficult.  Just don't let the cylinders come off the pistons, unless
you're planning to replace the rings.  DO replace the push rod tubes.  I
didn't and wound up with oil leaks.  You can fix these oil leaks without
removing the head but the special two piece push rod tubes are more
expensive.  I would've saved time & money by replacing them in the first
place.  Did I mention that you should do both sides, even if the leak
is only on one side?  No point in repeating yourself a year later, as I did.


You'll want to search the archives if you're planning a top end rebuild.
Opinions vary as to whether you should remove the pistons and the best
way to install the cylinders.

Bottom line for me would be -- don't let the head leak put you off.  It's
very common.  If you do the work yourself and are careful it is not
too expensive.

Fred Younger
91 GL
formerly 85 GL

> From: Alan Bosch <arbosch@RA.ROCKWELL.COM>
> The saga continues...
> The '88 Vanagon I'm looking to purchase will need new head gaskets - maybe
> new heads too.
> This came from the guy selling the van.  The body and interior are in very
> good shape.  Engine has 125k miles.  So I seek the collective knowledge of
> the list for the following:
>
> 1)  Insight regarding replacing head gaskets, gaskets and heads, whole
> engine
> 2)  DIY or take it to a shop, knowing that I rebuilt the engine in my old
> '82 Rabbit Diesel
> 3)  Ball park costs for above - I won't hold anyone to anything.  Just want
> feedback to make a informed, eyes open decision.
> 4)  Should I run away from this
>
> Thank you in advance.
>
> Alan Bosch