In a message dated 97-12-12 01:24:24 EST, jscohen@SPRYNET.COM writes:

>Jim makes some very fine points, but some beg the question.  If the Waser
> head leaking is a design defect, it then makes the engine inherently
unreliable!

Inheriently unreliable??  From my own experience and from reports I've heard,
the leaks typically develop (on average) after about 100,000 miles.  I'd
hardly call an engine that runs 100,000 miles "inherently unreliable!".  Also,
when the leak does occur, it typically develops quite slowly.  Many people
(including myself) have run thousands of miles after the onset of leaking.
This would hardly leave you stranded or require you to fix the problem while
on a trip.

<snip>

> PS, when the heads start to leak, is the fix simply to replace the head
gasket?

Sometimes, but usually replacement of the heads is required due to corrosion
of the aluminum head surface in the gasket area.

Regards,
Jim Davis