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Subject:rebuilt engine recommendations
From:James T.
Date:Tue, 26 Feb 2002 07:20:12 +0000

I think my head gaskets on my '85 Westy are almost toast. I have noticed a
slight drip and my old mechanic noticed a drastic compression loss in #3.
Yesterday as I drove up the slight hill to my place and parked it there were
gurgling / boiling sounds coming from the radiator - pulled down the license
plate and noticed the overflow tank was full past the bottom of the filler cap.
Also, if I start it up within a few minutes of stopping it is very hard for the
first crank - sure signs of hydro-lock. I do not want to monkey around with
replacing just one head, or replacing both heads. This motor has never been
opened up and I'm sure it's near it's wear life - when I start it both the oil
lights and generator lights stay on until it gets over 1200 rpm - then they go
off and stay off no matter what the rpm. So, I want to put in a good rebuild
1.9L motor. What's the word on Quality German Auto? I know Boston Bob is
recommended and GEX is not - but QGA is a fair bit less $$$ and I'm on a budget
here.
Please PMAIL me when you respond as I'm in vanagon nomail (moved and no internet
provider
yet)

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