A big question is going to be how long, how hot, and under what conditions it overheated. If the gaskets where healthy and they actually started to melt then it is likely there is other damage. The biggest failure is if the head studs got stretched to the point of yielding or if the case and heads are now twisted. It is not common for this pulley to come loose. It takes some bad workmanship for this to happen. It is likely the pulley and/or crank end is damaged. The pulley should almost fit tight enough it almost does not need a bolt! There is an O-ring behind it to keep oil from flowing past the key way. 

The book shop time to replace the heads/gaskets is 11 hours. You can probably do it yourself if you have time, patience and a place to work. Be prepared to learn and be ready for surprises. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Bob Anderson
Sent: Tuesday, September 04, 2012 8:13 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Head Gasket leaks

Hello All,
Last week my vanagon's main 3 slot crankshaft pulley came off and as a result the engine overheated. Had to have it towed back to the house and here she sits, now I notice lots of antifreeze puddles and it looks like they may be coming from the head gaskets.
I was hoping that I could replace the missing woodruff key for the pulley and re-install the pulley and belts and be on my way, but now it would appear that new head gaskets maybe needed.
My question is; what is the going rate for this task? And/Or is it something that a reasonably mechanically inclined person could do himself?
Or would it make more sense to wait and save-up some money and go ahead and replace it with a rebuilt 2.1 engine just like what it has now.
My vanagon is a 1986 2.1 automatic and has 138,000 miles on it, the body is in excellent condition and I would really enjoy keeping it.
Thanks,
Bob A