I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if the gaskets are leaking
significantly, the chances of catastrophic failure n the road are pretty
good.

I dropped you an email a few days ago asking whereabouts you live, and I'll
ask again.  What part of town are you in.

You might give the guys at Import Car Specialists a call and ask them for a
quote to replace the gaskets.  They'll probably be able to give you a figure
over the phone, since it's a pretty straightforward job.  Be aware, however,
that there is a very real possibility of needing to replace the heads, which
would get expensive, and they won't know if a replacement is required till
after the heads are off.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: "LeeAnn Medlock" <Phx13WS@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2001 2:25 PM
Subject: Blown head gaskets

> Hi again list.  I want to thank everyone who has gotten in touch with me
> about my coolant questions.  I feel like I have a bunch of new friends
that I
> can rely on. I have gotten some bad news this afternoon though.
>
> I took my new Vanagon to a reputable mechanic that I have used in the
past.
> I am so saddened to learn that the head gaskets need to be replaced!  The
> previous owner had the wrong antifreeze in it to make matters worse.  What
I
> am so shocked about is that he wants $1050 to do the work!  Oh my, I don't
> have that kind of money right now,  I just shelled out most of what I had
> into buying the thing. :(  Does that kind of money sound about right?
> Is it wise to drive it at all in the condition it is in?  The mechanic
said I
> could as long as I keep the levels full?  I guess I just want an opinion
from
> the list.
> I was so looking forward to camping this weekend with it.
>
> Thanks, LeeAnn (85 westy)