Headgasket failure is not inevitable, just likely. I would be prepared, then
just drive it!

John Rodgers
"88GL Driver

andrew swingler wrote:

> HEllo,
>
> I am a four month VANAGON owner and I have a few questions.
>
> 1)I have an 84 KOMBI camper conversion (nicely done) with 110K
> original MILES. I am aware that the head gaskets will eventually fail
> sometime in the nearish future. I have put on 10K MILES with not drop
> in coolant level. What I want to know is:
> a) what are the first signs of leakage
> b) how much time after the first signs until van is not driveable
> c) If heads are $400 and gaskets etc are $100 why does everyone make it
> out to be such an expensive troublesome repair. I feel I may be missing
> something important.
>
> 2) I can't find mileage specifications anywhere for my 1.9 wasserboxer.
> Using 1gal = 3.78Liters my mileage appears to be around 18-19mpg on the
> highway @65-70mph. I feel this may be slightly low but then again I really
> have no idea. My compression is 144psi across the board and passes the
> full power emissions test with flying colours. But it fails the idle
> emmisions test
> because it idles slightly rich. Any tune up tips or am I worrying about
> nothing?
>
> 3) I am replacing my exhaust manifolds this week. Any tips on removing the
> oxygen sensor and manifold bolts. I have broken enough bolts to not want
> to break any more. Yeah I should take it some where but there is something
> to be said about doing your own work. Like when I spent four straight days
> swaping a motor in the snow with almost no tools. It was hell but for some
> reason I'd do it again???? At least now I have tools......and a car port.
>
> Thanks for your advice,
>
> Andy Swingler
> Grad Student
> Dept. Electrical Eng. UBC
> VAncouver
> '84 KOMBI
>
> ps, In our wet climate my rubber front floor and rear hardwood floor rule
> at keeping the humidity down. I will never have a wet carpeted mold
> machine van again.