I would try and do it myself, never tried it before. Can it be done
with just a set of auto risers that your back the van up onto like
what they sell at Sears or Walmart?

I assume that everything on the top of the engine needs to be removed?

What's the process?

R

On Aug 20, 2008, at 12:24 PM, Chris S wrote:

> Is doing the job yourself outside of your capabilities?  Gaskets are
> not
> that expensive and you can do the job with the engine in the car.
> If you
> need new heads, well, that's a bit more.
>
> I have a complete 1.9L that has a set of good heads.  But, they are
> original
> with 170,000 miles on them.
>
> Chris S.
>
> On Tue, Aug 19, 2008 at 6:51 PM, Robert Stewart <robertmstewart@mac.com
> >wrote:
>
>> Hi Everyone,
>>
>> More on my story...
>>
>> My 88 automatic wolfsburg with 237,000 miles on it with a rebuilt
>> engine at 150,000 miles just had the head gaskets start leaking.
>> Small
>> amounts of coolant are coming out.
>>
>> I was told it's missing .5 inches on each side of the head. I have
>> not
>> verified it yet.
>>
>> Please note I just lost my job as dissolved the position and have a
>> couple months of severance an unemployment insurance coming in, so
>> cost is a big factor. I cant afford a lot but I want to do the right
>> thing. The van has been running fine for the most part and I only add
>> about a quarter of the coolant tank every 200 miles. So the leak is
>> not terrible
>>
>> I have been doing some research and here are what appear to be the
>> options:
>>
>> 1. Use something like Bars STOP Leak - Head Gasket Fix WORKS WITH ALL
>> TYPES OF ANTIFREEZE! (
>> DOES THIS EVEN WORK?
>> http://www.barsproducts.com/1111.htm
>>
>>
>> 2. Use something like Permatex on the edge (though I am told this
>> wont
>> work it might be temporary fix)
>>
>> 3. Remove the engine and have the gaskets replaced $1200-$1500
>>
>> 4. http://www.alumiweld.com ? temporary fix.
>>
>> 5. Get a new engine
>>
>>
>> $975 & $190 shipping -  Ken Morgan (Jake4parts on ebay)
>>
>> I talked to this guy Ken Morgan who sells engines under the name
>> jake4parts on ebay. He has 2.1 L engine for sale for $975. I know
>> some
>> people say that he shady, I am not sure. Spoke to him and he sounds
>> like a nice guy who is knowledgeble.
>>
>>
>> http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1986-1991-VW-Vanagon-Rebuilt-2-1L-Engine-Long-Block_W0QQitemZ320284970269QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320284970269&_trkparms=39%3A1%7C66%3A4%7C65%3A10%7C240%3A1318&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14#ebayphotohosting
>>
>> "1986 - 1991 VW Vanagon 2.1L Engine Rebuilt (Long Block)  Has all new
>> bearings, rings and valve job - This engine is completely resealed
>> with all new head gaskets and crank seals...  Built in our shop,
>> these
>> engines also comes with all installation gaskets to complete the
>> installations into your vanagon...  Comes with flywheel or flex plate
>> - Specify whether you have an automatic or stickshift...
>>
>> This engine also fits 83-85 Vanagon waterboxers with a small
>> modification to the center intake manifold plenum (ask for product
>> circular)...  Comes with a 12mo/12,000mile warranty, technical
>> bulitens for start-up and break-in as well as selection of motor oils
>> for long life and reliability...
>>
>> Shipping Flat Rate $190.00 to any major city trucking terminal in the
>> Continental USA - For Home delivery or Liftgate truck service add
>> $96.00"
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Need some help trying to figure out what I should I, finances are
>> tight. I want to move to California and drive my van there.
>>
>> Much appreciated all the ideas that you send my way.
>>
>>
>>
>> Thanks,
>>
>> Robert
>>
>> NY
>>