Probably because of the assumption that a pitted, leaking but
otherwise functional head needs to be replaced with a new one, which
it doesn't. At a shop, two heads are going to run $1000, and I'm sure
the shop is saying both heads should be done. And they should... it's
going to cost more if each head is pulled and gasketed separately. If
one has gone, then the other is going.  I would also hope that they
are considering putting new lifters in, too.

But like Mike said, I did mine for about $100 = the cost of a gasket
set, sandpaper, JB Weld, and stainless bolts for the exhaust.

Jim

On Mar 3, 2007, at 9:41 AM, Mike wrote:

> Why is resealing a leak on one head going to cost you $2K?  This seems
> awfully expensive to me, but I do all my own repairs.......
> This is the best option for an otherwise 'trusty engine'.
>
> Mike B.
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "mad madeline" <mac10wv@YAHOO.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Saturday, March 03, 2007 10:21 AM
> Subject: The ole head dilema
>
>
>> Well....
>>  Its time to do something with our trusty engine since the right
>> side is
>> crying tears of antifreeze.  The way I see it I have 4 choices:
>>  1.  pay $2K to have a head job done
>>  2.  pay $4K to buy a factory rebuild and pay to have it installed
>>  3.  pay $6-10K to switch to another type of engine
>>  4.  loose $7K by driving it off a cliff
>>
>>  All things considered (including , and crossing my fingers, I'm
>> about to
>> have Doug's Bugs in Mesa implement choice #1.  I think it should last
>> quite some time this way since the bottom end of the engine seems
>> just
>> fine.  Last minute thoughts??  Madeline
>>
>>
>> ---------------------------------
>> Bored stiff? Loosen up...
>> Download and play hundreds of games for free on Yahoo! Games.
>>
>