Date:         Wed, 26 May 1999 11:31:40 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike Hugill <mike@KLA-INC.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Hugill <mike@KLA-INC.COM>
Subject:      Weird Cooling system update
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Latest word from mechanic.
Tested coolant and it is showing levels of CO2 that lead him to suspect
head leakage.  Engine gas seeping into cooling system creating pockets of
air, cause the coolant gauges to spike etc as it passes through and
pressure builds up and releases with some coolant (the overflow).
PO had head work done, but mechanic said it looks like they just redid the
gaskets, so heads may be original.
Also said he heard rod noise, which he doesn't like.   Said that b/c of the
rod noise, he would be reluctant to spend money or redoing the heads.  He
suggested driving it till it dies and then just putting a new motor in
rather than putting more money into this motor.  I guess he isn't
optimistic that there are too many more miles in it.  130K on it now.

Right now, it drives fine.  I just have to ignore the coolant gauge as it
climbs and falls, and I just leave a little coolant puddle every once in a
while when it over flows.

Anyone concur or disagree with his recommendations?
I hear folks often talking about redoing there heads.  Is it difficult or
straight forward?  What do new heads run?
TIA,
Mike



Michael Hugill
Ken Leiner Associates, Inc.
Nationwide Recruiting
(301) 933-8800 x139
(301) 933-8808 fax
(800) 989-8803
http://www.ITsearch.com