I finally got around to checking out my latest purchase... a 1990
Vanagon GL with 121k original miles.  Here's a pic:

http://s1000.photobucket.com/albums/af130/schwaia/?action=view&current=dpo.jpg

Seller listed it as needing head gaskets.  He based this diagnoses on
the fact it ran on 3 cylinders, smoked and overheated.

Poor running... plug wire for #2 cylinder was bad.  Replaced the wire
with a good used one and she purred like a kitten.

Smoking... went away after about 20 minutes of running.  Lots of
unburned fuel in the exhaust from the bad plug wire.  Probably needs a
new cat now.

Overheating... expansion tank cap was shot.  Put a good used cap on
and she runs nice and cool now.

I've put about 150 miles on her since I've sorted it out.  Runs great,
lots of power, doesn't use any water and runs cool, even on a 90
degree day.

What can I say, sometimes a DPO is a good thing!

Cheers,

Jeff