>There are no perfect vanagons, save those 91 syncros
> with 25k on 'em.<

I can testify to that one... and even the low mileage later models are no
guarantee... we searched long and hard and found what appeared to be a
pristine 89 Syncro Westy with only 38K on the ticker... paid extra long
dollars thinking we would have less headaches... then proceeded to replace
the vc, clutch, driver's side electric window, repair the electric door
locks, and repair a broken gear in the transmission.  Thousands of dollars
later (including a half lilley upgrade), she runs like a dream.  There are
apparenly no sure (or easy) solutions.  As my old man used to say, "You pays
your money and you takes your chances."

When they're runnin' right tho, ya gotta love em!

Mick Kalber
89 Syncro Westy "Daddeo"
Tropical Visions Video, Inc.
62 Halaulani Place
Hilo, Hawaii 96720
808-935-5557
808-935-0066 (fax)
hotlava@interpac.net
www.volcanoscapes.com

----- Original Message -----
From: Brian Cochran <rangerbrian@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2001 7:20 PM
Subject: your search for a perfect vanagon

> Let me be brief......   There are no perfect vanagons, save those 91
syncros
> with 25k on 'em.    Buying a vanagon?  buy one with thorough records and I
> MEAN THOROUGH!!  You should know everytime the van hit a pothole.
> Heads--smeads, Thats the least of your concerns (well, that's an
> understatement) OIL PRESSURE, trannies, seam rust those transalate into
> thousands.  The head job can be done with the engine in the van.  Test
drive
> the van for a while--20 miles or more.  If the owner doesn't let you, find
> another. (pay for gas-if an issue).  After the drive, get that clean
> cardboard out of your car and place it under the engine, whist you inspect
> everything else.  Arm yourself with the knowledge of the last year or so
of
> list threads on every subject you come across in high response/subject
> replies.  You'll still get stuck with a lemon, but you'll spend less than
> you would have with the larger lemons!!
> My van came with a ton of new parts, a list of work done and a pile of
> receipts and i still got screwed, so watch out.
> Brian Cochran
> 84 westy without a motor at the moment
> carnation WA
>
>
>
>
>
> previous.....
> ALL are
> between 130-180K Miles
> I figure that new heads are in order for any of these high mileage vans.
> But... what if the P.O.(s) have put on new heads once already...
>
> The question is:
> a) How can I tell if the engine core is too tired for it to be worth
> putting new head on?
> b) How many times can a wasserboxer take new heads without an engine
> rebuild?
> c) Are coolant leaks the only reason to change them?
> d) If the dealer doesnt know anything about the van, what should I look
for
> besides coolant leaks?
> _________________________________________________________________
> Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
>