I got 135,000 miles before the head gaskets puked antifreeze all over
the highway.This happend more than 700 miles away from home.  So I spent
three days on my vacation getting parts ordered, shipped, and installed,
with backyard methods and tools.  This included new heads and my wifes
cousins garage, ramps, vise, air compressor, etc.   You wouldn't believe
how we got the piston pins out and I'm too embarrased to tell.  I didn't
believe the  VW mechanic who told me before I left that I needed new
heads becasue of a little deterioaton on the surface of the head gasket.
I thought he was taking me for a ride pure and simple.

Then, 12,000 miles later the thing started blowing smoke out the back
and so I had the whole thing gone through by a professional.  I'm sure
glad i haven't added up the total cost.  (for my peace of mind)

It wouldn't be so bad if the parts weren't so out of this world
expensive.  I truely believe that VW has a racket going.  But yoiu know
how it is, if you want protection, you pay the man...

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> Brian G. Backus
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