Sam Scholten wrote:

> Doug,
>
> I would find a place that you can make a mess and replace the pump
> yourself; you can get one with a WARRANTY from a FLAPS (Friendly Local
> Auto Parts Store) for roughly $60- still steep for a water pump, but
> the best deal I have found so far. See if you can get a coolant temp
> gauge sender while you're at it. :)
>
> The Vanagon was my first water pump replacement job and it really
> wasn't too hard. $45-$100/hr for labor is simply not worth it. Wear
> work gloves if you play guitar, though...
>
> Best of luck,
> Sam
>

Well, just to ad in my $0.02 worth, I have replaced the water pumps on both
a 1986 Camaro Z28 and a 1992 F*rd Mustang and was able to do both within an
afternoon taking my time. I've never done anything like that on a VW (Won't
have to with my Vanagon L) but if it is remotely the same as the other two,
I agree, $45-$100/hr is too much to pay.

Just my opinion,

Joe Denison