At 12:31 12/7/97 +0000, Seastoner wrote:
>Well the inevitable seems to be approaching as I have the beginings
>of leaking head gasket syndrome in my 85 Westie 1.9 litre. My
>question is should I go ahead a have the job done for
>800.00 using the silicone method on the heads or should I look to
>upgrade the engine at this point...The engine has 136k miles so far.
>The power question has always been a concern as well. Wondering about
>the kennedy/ subaru option and anything else that seems to be working for
>people. I've already put a fair amount into restoring the van and the
>body, camper package etc. is in pretty good shape. Thanks in advance
>for any helpful advice,
>Rick

I would dump the engine.  It is well prooven that the leak will re-occur
again after a rebuild.  My 1988 Syncro Double Cab doesn't leak (150,000km)
and I am pulling the engine this summer in favor of a 2.0L Motronic VW Golf
engine before the wasser boxer leaks.  Why?  First, I've been told that a
2.1L wasserboxer that doesn't leak will fetch $2500 Canadian.  The whole
2.0L Golf engine and the K.E.P. adapter will be about $2500 Canadian.  This
way I go from a gas guzzeling 2.1L wasserboxer that WILL leak sometime in
the future to a 115hp I4 (140hp with some basic mods) that should give me
better economy, more much needed power and fantastic relaiblity for 0$ if
you don't want to include my time.  I love doing this stuff so I consider
it a bonous!

The only problem with the Westie engine swap is the engine lid that will
have to be modified for clearance.  I'm fortunate enough to have about 8"
of clearance above my engine so my choices are much greater.

-- David Marshall        Email: david@volkswagen.org --
-- 80 VW 2.0L Caddy,            87 Audi 5000 quattro --
-- 85 VW Cabrio, 88 VW Double Cab Syncro Transporter --
-- Volkswagen Homepage http://www.volkswagen.org     --
-- VW Caddy Homepage http://www.volkswagen.org/caddy --
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