>Date:    Mon, 13 Apr 1998 23:06:54 -0400
>From:    Alan Pickersgill <pick@ISTAR.CA>
>Subject: 85 Vanagon engine replacement - While I'm at it?
>
>I've finally decided to replace the engine in my 85 - valve seat failed
>causing burnt piston.  Engine and labour will cost about $3,000 - $3,500
>CDN; don't want to risk this investment.  Want advice about what I should
>change while paying for the labour.  What should I check  - especially
>stuff that I might do more cheaply while I have the engine out.??
>
>Going with a VW Canada remanufacture, new water pump and new clutch disc
>(cause the main seal had failed on old engine) and pressure plate if
>needed. Exhaust system is all new within last 2.5 yrs.
>
I can testify that this is worth it!  Most of my problems have been solved
for the last three years (almost) by going this route and my van still runs
very well.  If I only get another year out of mine I'll be happy--it's the
cost of less than a year's worth of new car payments and I have always been
suspicious of head resurfacing on this engine; it seems too temporary for
my stomach.

Good luck with it, being an old Canadiaphile myself, I love seeing that VW
of Canada sticker on my engine :-)

_________________________________________________________
Donald Baxter
dbax@mindspring.com (home) 404 872 0351
donald.a.baxter@cpmx.saic.com (work) 770 729 3938 x 3061
dab1@jhk.com (alternate)