Speaking as one who never did any mech work until getting my 83.5 Westy and
having gone through the stark terror of seeing "coolant on the driveway" for
a number of years until the left head finally WAS the cause followed a year
later by the right head failing I can honestly tell you that if you can
successfully change out your water pump you need have no fear of the head
gasket problem. Doing BOTH heads cost me about $200 and would have been even
less had I not snapped a couple of bolts flush and had to pay a machine shop
$15 each to get them out.
        Get the "Boston Engine" article from Vanagon.com. That, the Bentley, and a
few hints from some of the good folks here on the list is about all the
instruction I needed. The job is a BIG PITA but it just aint that
complicated nor that expensive if you do it yourself. Sleep well.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM]On Behalf
Of Mark Mages
Sent: Sunday, October 01, 2000 5:05 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Clean van...

I spent a few hours cleaning out my van yesterday.
Yes, I am lazy... well, not lazy exactly - just busy.
I have approximately 16 hrs/week free time that is not
involved in sleep.  It is the first time it has been
cleaned (thoroughly) in a year and a half, and six
months at least since the last general cleaning.

I found the screwdriver that has been rolling around
for a month, some very interesting marshmallows,
etc...

FWIW - Simple Green ROCKS!  I got the bacon grease out
of the carpet, and the Junior Mints out of the
upholstery (damn ex girlfriends)

What I added - StonGard headlight protectors ($25)

What I am getting later in the week - Sherwood Digital
5.1 surround processor, Sherwood CD head unit, and a 6
channel amp to power it all.  Total cost - $225.  This
will replace the tired Panasonic tape deck & 8 disc
changer.  I also have a 6.25" component system to
replace the front 6.5" coax speakers.

What I am looking into - BusDepots Boge lowering kit.
I have a call in to find out about compatibility with
Westies, and longevity prospects.  The KYB's in the
rear are going out after only a year, so hopefully
this will clear up a little leaning too.

And now - a word on paranoia and VW's.

I have become so paranoid since I have started driving
VWs, and it is all my vanagons fault.  Well, my
vanagon and this damn list.  Every time I see a drop
of coolant hit the ground, I start worrying about
cylinder heads, and the like.  Last year - lots of
coolant on the ground.  Cause - bad waterpump ($40).
6 months ago - lots of coolant on the ground.  Cause -
bad temp sender O-ring ($15).  Last week - coolant on
the ground.  Cause - slightly corroded 6 inch water
hose($20).

Every time I see the coolant on the ground, I start
freaking out and wondering what I will have to put
into hock to get my van running again.

So, thanks... thanks a lot.. :)

=====
Mark
Just because you have an opinion, doesn't mean that anyone wants to hear it

87 Westfalia Gl
84 Scirocco 8v
http://student.fortlewis.edu/~mwmages/

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