Does it only need head gaskets?  If so, just so that. How many miles are on
the engine? Is it tired otherwise? If the heads are only slightly pitted, a
new gasket and sealant will fix it. Just make sure the pitting does not
include any channels that go from one side of the gasket seat to the other.
I have lately been using Permatex "Super 300" gasket sealant here with
excellent results. Will seal almost anything and stays flexible.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: "A & C Grobey" <alien1@JPS.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, January 02, 2000 11:35 PM
Subject: To waterboxer or not to waterboxer

> That is the question.  To find the answer, most people seeking it find
> themselves asking the wisdom of the list.  This is not a new question and
I
> always follow the threads on it when it hits the list.
>
> Today, I seek the wisdom on my sisters behalf.  Her '88 Wolfsburg has
> finally given in to the dreaded headgasket cancer.  They want to keep the
> van so they are willing to put some cash in a good engine.  Here is what
> they have defined as their choices:
>
> 1.  Replace it with a good rebuild waterboxer.
>
> 2.  Go with a conversion kit.  i have suggested the kit David Marshall
> offers and the South African kit from Tii Trading.
>
> So my question to the list is this:  Has anyone done either David's or
Tii's
> conversion?  I am looking for any experience anyone may have had.  I've
sent
> them to Tom's relitech page at http://volksweb.relitech.com/convert.htm.
> Does anyone know of other sites that may be helpful?
>
> Thanks in advance for the infinite wisdom of the list.  As they say in
> Schindler's List - "The List is Life."
>
> Alan
> '91 Carat
> Sherwood OR