With proper diagnostics and true evaluation of future needs your approach
was sensible. Head gasket replacements are common repairs on many engines. 

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Brian Smith
Sent: Thursday, December 26, 2013 12:32 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 

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