The 01/86 1.9L wasserboxer Syncro that I brought back from Germany had both
of it's head replaced in 1998 according to the receipt that I have.  There
is now 170,000 kilometers on the odometer.  I think the problem is
everywhere, not just in North America.  I think there is a feeling that
there is less of a problem in Europe as there is a lot of Diesel and Turbo
Diesel models running around.  Both of my good friends replaced the head
gaskets on their 1.6TDs so....

David Marshall

Fast Forward Automotive Inc.
4356 Quesnel Hixon Road
Quesnel BC Canada  V2J 6Z3
mailto:info@fastforward.ca <mailto:info@fastforward.ca>
http://www.fastforward.ca <http://www.fastforward.ca>
Phone: (250) 992 7775           FAX: (250) 992 1160

. Vanagon Accessories and Engine Conversions
. Vanagon, Transporter and Iltis Sales and Importation
. European Lighting for most Volkswagen models

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Barry E. Muller
Sent: February 16, 2002 12:58 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: WBX reliability - is it held in low regard in Europe?

Does anyone on the list know if the WBX is held in low regard in Europe
(Germany)?  If it isn't then what is the difference?  Better maintenance?
Just curious because I'm new to this and was wondering if there is a
reason for all the reported problems with this engine on this side of the
pond, or if it is just truly a poor design (which I doubt).  Of course,
perhaps the answer lies in the fact that the new S. African Vanagons are
all (?) sold with the inline engines.

The bottom line is I like the Vanagon and bus styles, but need something
that isn't likely to leave the family stranded by the side of the road.
If there is a maintenance regime that will keep the water boxer reliable
(and maybe even improve the mileage), then I sure want to know about it.
If I can only expect average reliability and better mileage from an engine
swap, then so be it.

bem