On Mon, 23 Sep 1996, Larry Stichweh wrote:

> Bluechipd@aol.com wrote:
> > 
> > My 85 Westy has been diagnosed  with a leaky head gasket thru a pressure
> > check followed by a visual check. It looks like this will be an expensive
> > repair although the repair costs seem to vary quite a bit depending on wheter
> > or not the heads are pitted. I am praying that the block is not pitted. I am
> > told but don't know why the heads/block cannot be shaved to remove the
> > pitting. I have the following estimates:
> > Dealer #1 - $1800-2400 assuming pitted heads and depending on repair of parts
> > that
> > disintegrate durring disassembly
> > Dealer #2 - $500-700 heads not pitted, up to $1800 if heads pitted
> > Local VW Mechanic - $1100 using an special sealant which seals the pitted
> > heads from an aftermarket guy in New Jersey
> > My questions are:
> > 1. Has anyone had experience with any kind of sealant that seals pitted heads
> > 2. Which comes first, leaking gasket or pitted heads
> > 3. If only one head gasket leaks, why replace both head gaskets at the same
> > time
> > 
> > If the heads aren't pitted it's $5-700 but I don't know if they are pitted.
> > The special sealant saves money if the heads are pitted but it is also a bit
> > of a risk.
> > Anyone's experience on this problem is welcome.
> > 
> > Thanks
> > 
> > John Sealy
> > Burlington, Vermont
> 
> I have had this problem for about 2 years.  Now at 137k miles.  A good coolant sealant 
> added to the antifreeze has bought me two years but I do face head replacement soon.  
> My shop has indicated all of these engines they have worked on needed to replace the 
> heads due to pitting.  The problem is the phosphate coolant we use rather than 
> the not so common phosphate free coolant recommended by VW.  Rebuilt head have been 
> quoted to me at $315 to $488 each which included new valves.  I suspect if you do not 
> do your own work you would be wise to put in the rebuilt heads, paying for the job only 
> once.  That is what I plan to do in the next few weeks.
> 
> Larry

Hi,

Another option is to send your heads to somewhere like RIMCO, who will
inspect/test your heads and repair them as necessary, including doing the
valves.   I had great luck with them, and saved a couple hundred bucks.  

David Bradshaw
85 Vanagon