Sounds like my exhaust.  It was so rusty the bolt holes rusted away,
on the elbow and the CAt.  So I ended up arc-welding everything
together.  I now have to replace the engine, so its time to bite the
bullet, and replace the entire thing.   BTW these repairs only last
a little while, and then somthing else breaks.  Your new family
will enjoy your Vanagon if its not being worked on as much.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          86-SS Syncro
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
                                   92-Jetta GWC
            www.fyi.net/~vw4x4/vw4x4.htm

On Fri, 4 Apr 2003, George Jetzon wrote:

> I have a '83 water cooled Westy.  The exhaust system is in pretty bad shape
> and those exhaust manifold studs are very likely going to break when repair
> is attempted.  The exhaust has been repaired previously using a cut and weld
> procedure. One local mechanic has already declined to make the repair. Does
> anyone know an honest and skillful mechanic near Arlington, Virginia?  I will
> be getting married this spring (getting a great little 6 year old daughter in
> the package) and want to introduce my new family to the joy of Westy camping
> in the Shenandoah Valley.
>
> George
> Arlington, Virginia
> Home of The Pentagon
>