Felix: A competent shop can do the job for about $600 Canadian per side I imagine this would be about $400 US/side without dropping the engine. This would typically get you about another 100,000km or 60.000 miles, assuming this is the first time the heads have been done. These prices also assume you don't find a bunch of other stuff that needs doing at the same time like exhaust pipes and muffler. It also assumes that the heads are in good enough condition to be reused and that what you need is a gasket kit and a bunch of labour (about 12 -15 hours).

As I remember it, if heads are needed they were about $600 canadian/head. But they probably are OK if this problem is truly new.

When mine first started to show trouble it was in March in North Carolina, and I drove on to Georgia and back to Ottawa Canada and out to Nova Scotia and back before I did the job in November. So you should be alright for Phil-Chi-Phil. But don't leave it too long as apparently that is what causes the pitting that kills the heads.

Alan Pickersgill Ottawa Ontario Canada. At 10:43 PM 17/12/99 EST, Felix Bello wrote: >After 92k miles, heads are "finally" leaking. Left side, about a 4-inch spot >overnight (6pm-8am). Right side still dry. > >Can I get on the road for a round trip Philadelphia/Chicago/Philadelphia ? >Does cold weather worsens the problem ? > >I intend to keep this van for at least five more years and take long family >trips. With that in mind what is the best solution; to rebuild heads or to >replace entire engine ? How much should I expect to spend ? > >Can anybody recommend a shop in the Philadelphia area ? > >Your comments and suggestions are greatly appreciated. > >Happy holidays > >Felix >'91 Carat > Alan Pickersgill Ottawa, ON Canada