Hi all,

A friend is committing his ailing early 80's Rabbit Diesel to the crusher next week, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District will give him $650 for it.  He has owned it for almost 18 years, and put about 120k well-maintained miles on it.

I told him that maybe someone on the Vanagon list might give him more, just for the parts value of what's in it.

He says:
"Sure. It runs fine for now, but I am pretty sure there is a head gasket leak between one or more combustion chambers and the coolant.  The coolant is disappearing pretty quickly and it is not leaking anywhere under the hood that I can see or smell.  The engine is generally fine except this problem.  New water  pump, belts, hoses, clutch, all new seals and gaskets except the head  gasket, etc. about 2 (maybe 3?) years ago.  Also, rebuilt injectors  at that time.  Injection pump is fine.  Idle is smooth (for this  engine) and fuel consumption is about 45mpg (which is good for this  car).  A new head gasket could make the  engine go for many more miles, but  it would be best to at least hone the cylinders and put in new rings.  The injection pump, injectors, and waterpump may be worth more than $650 on the used market to someone who needs them."

SO: if any of you are truly interested, live in the Bay Area and can act quickly, I'll put you in touch.

ChrisR in SF