Ben is right about making sure... On my '86 syncro that's about where
the metal water pipe developed a pin hole leak. I took out the bad
metal and put a radiator hose in it's place with 2 hose clamps.
If I was looking for a shop I'd go see what
http://www.roadhaus.com/shops.php had to say.

Rob
becida@comcast.net
With a '94 Subaru 2.2 powered '84 Westy in sunny Washington state

At  5/19/2011 01:42 PM, BenT Syncro wrote:
>Before you assume it's a head leak, poke around and make sure it's
>not just a hose or fitting. I've had many a Wasserleak mis-diagnosed
>as headleakitis when it was nothing more than a slit hose or cracked
>fitting. The small hose that connects to the side of the head should
>receive special attention during your inspection as much as the heater hoses.
>
>
>BenT
>
>sent from my electronic leash
>
>On May 19, 2011, at 12:56 PM, John Rodgers <inua@CHARTER.NET> wrote:
>
> > It appears my 88 GL has developed a head leak.
> >
> > I went to the VA Hospital this mornig for a checkup, and when I came
> > out, there was a reddish orange puddle underneath the van on the left
> > side about where the head would be. Surely the dreaded head leak. Got
> > about 137K on the rebuilt with no trouble with heads. I guess it was a
> > pretty good rebuild.
> >
> > So now it must be done. I am not able to do this myself, so need
> > recommendations as to how to go about getting this done. My main man has
> > gone out of business, so that leaves only a Birmingham shop that I have
> > heard of that does VW. The reports on the quality of work have been all
> > over the place. Makes it rather iffy.
> >
> > Any suggestions on how to approach this problem would be appreciated.
> >
> > BTW, it's getting more and more difficult to find anyone in this region
> > who is competent - and willing - to work on these vans.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > John
> >
> > --
> > John Rodgers
> > Clayartist and Moldmaker
> > 88'GL VW Bus Driver
> > Chelsea, AL
> > Http://www.moldhaus.com