Date:         Mon, 24 May 1999 20:14:18 -0600
Reply-To:     john silverman <jsilver@AROS.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         john silverman <jsilver@AROS.NET>
Subject:      Do I need a head job???
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

A few weeks ago, I had noticed a small coolant puddle below the right rear
of the engine, and a few small drips off the frame.  I took Vic (our 90
Syncro Westy) around to a few shops, and with cursory glances all told me
that it was the head gasket (The H20 pump was repalced last year, about 7500
miles ago).  There is a little damp type stain around the head covers (or
whatever the parts that cover the engine are).  Since then, several trips
and a total of about 1800-2200 miles, there has been absolutely no sign of
leakage: No drips on the ground, no visible loss of coolant, No change in
operating conditions, no nothing.

So... is it probable that the initial leak was due to head gasket, and it is
only a matter of time before the leak rears it's ugly head again?  should I
think about getting the heads repaired sooner than that? Or, should i be
looking elsewhere for the cause of the leak?  Or What?

Thanks
John
90 Syncro Westy, Vic,  80000 miles
SLC