It's unlikely that a Subaru shop can successfully fix this engine, or has even seen a WBX engine. If she is running a Subaru conversion, then they could order factory parts. "Gushing coolant" sounds more like a hose than a head gasket leak to me, but I guess it's possible.

Have her send you a photo of the engine to check, and then have it towed to an experienced shop.  Roadhaus lists several in MI: http://roadhaus.com/shops.php

Stuart

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Lincoln
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2016 11:07 AM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Stranded '90 Vanagon in Bay City, MI

Hello List -it's been a long time since I've posted anything.

I just received a call because I am on the Vanagon Rescue Squad list. Here are all the details that I know:

I just had a call from a mechanic in Bay City, MI who has a stranded canadian couple there in a '90 Vanagon - coolant is "gushing out" and they need head gasket repair and possibly a head. The Shop can't order them parts because they are only allowed to order factory replacement parts which aren't available. If the bus owners source their own parts the shop has agreed to do the work.

I gave the shop the names of several of our online vendors that they can call and order parts and told them most of these vendors would be sypathetic to the stranded Vanagon owner as far as trying to rush shipping (not sure that's entirely accurate but I truly believe that to be true)

So if there is anyone out there that might be able to give them a hand the shop is Thelen Subaru in bay City, MI 989 922-7214 - I talked to Katie. I don't know the owner's names because Katie was acting as go between so I didn't talk tot hem direct.

It's a bit of a haul for me but I am going to check and I might have the headgasket kit - I'll drive it up there if I do.

Thanks,

Jeff