Don't dump cash into that engine!!! Bite the bullet. Get a rebuilt from
Boston Bob or other source and you will have a reliable Vanagon for many,
many years and will thank yourself for it.

WesV
1885 Wolfsburg Westy Weekender 1.9 4 speed  &  still in love

----- Original Message -----
From: "Brad Williamson" <max2@BELLSOUTH.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, December 28, 2001 7:19 PM
Subject: 85 westy needs a rebuild or Tiico ? or sell it?

Hi:
I have a 85 westy 1.9 ,4 speed manual I bought for $2500 about 2 weeks ago.
Well turns out i got taken for a ride, and the head gaskets are leaking air
into the water system and the VW dealership says there is a cam bearing
ready to go out. I guess its noisy. (sounds like a VW engin to me) Well, Can
anyone give me ideas on what to do ? I dont think its a good idea to dump
cash into this engine. I guess head gaskets only last for about 80k.And
since im not able to do the heads and stuff myself its going to be alot of
money . I need dependability ! I wanna drive this westy out to CA. Is this a
good candidate for the Tiico engine ?  If so how much are the full tiico
kits ?  I was hopeing there was another kit out there that has all the parts
and I could supply the engine. I have a buddy with a 2.0 out of a wreked 96
jetta ,real low miles. or should I try to sell this thing ? Man what a
bummer this is .Anyone with ideas plesae let me know.  Thanks