I would probably just replace the gaskets using the "Right Stuff"
sealant. It is pliable, sticky, and can fill large gaps. It is used to
eliminate valve cover and oil pan gaskets on many new vehicles. It
works. This should make the repair a $600-$700 repair. If it lasts for
two years you got your money's worth.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Smiths
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2005 11:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: to rebuild or not, next step 89 vanagon

I'm the guy debating whether or not to rebuild since I have 98k on my
engine and I have to do new heads.

Thank you all for very helpful input. I told my mechanic to just do
heads as at 98k I felt the engine was good for many more years
(particularly  as I only drive  around 6-7 k /year). In process of doing
heads he found several pits on the block where the head gasket joins w/
block (on driver side only). I am a complete novice, but these "pits"
made me nervous. They looked like tiny nail holes-- 3 to 4 of them. My
mechanic hates the idea of just doign heads more than ever as he fears
with these pits and 98 bk on engine that he can;t guarantee me I won't
sprout a new leak before long. I have no idea how serious these pits
are.

Can anyone advise me? Is it time to let him machine my engine block and
do the 5,000$ rebuild rather than the $1800 head job? Should I be
concerned abotu these pits?