Six years ago I purchased an abused tin top Syncro with 200,000 miles.� At 210,000 miles the head gaskets went.� All the "experts" said; "too old, have to rebuild," etc.� Besides hydrocarbon issues and loosing coolant, it ran fine.� I also only had to add oil about every 1,200 to 1,500 miles as well.� With the engine in place my mechanic removed and cleaned up the heads.� We did not send them to be machined.� Reinstalled the heads with new phosphate free coolant.� Result:� That was five years ago and 30,000 miles have passed.� Still runs great, no hydrocarbon issues or loss of coolant.� I am no mechanic, but if money is an issue and a van runs okay in the first place... I say if it ain't broke don't fix it.� At least that was my experience.� Oh yes, it continues to pass California emissions every time as well.
Syncronaut,
Brian