I have to ask, why was the engine pulled for a head replacement? What
else was expected or discovered. What is a "ring" bearing? The piston
rings do not have any copper. Was the oil pressure good? Why the heads?
If it was only the outer gaskets leaking that should be a fairly
straight fix unless broken studs or case warpage, or some other problem
appears. The problem with the perfectionist route is that it can cost a
lot of money with no gain. If the radiator should suddenly split or a
coolant hose fails or the water pump self destructs, new engine or old,
it is damaged. There is a gamble that there can be problems down the
road with your engine but if an evaluation says it can go another 50+k,
keep it.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Smiths
Sent: Sunday, June 05, 2005 11:22 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: to rebuild or not, 89 vanagon

I have a 1989 Westy with 98 k on original engine and almost all freeway
miles. I  have babied this van its entire life. Now I need heads which I
knew was coming, but my perfectionist mechanic thinks I should consider
a rebuild (since the engine's out and it's got almost 100k).  He's a
good guy, very capable mechanic, and I trust him-- but the only "issue"
with my engine was some wear in the ring bearing (some copper showing).
I'm more than willign to finance the rebuild, but think my engine should
be good for many more years. I plan to keep my van forever, but want to
be a smart consumer. Any help out there?