O.K., I return back to my original statement.  With $219 for a rebuilt
head, I see no reason not to replace them if the old head is coming off
anyway.  If I were paying a mechanic to do the job, I would DEFINITELY
spend the extra $219 bucks.   This is like not replacing a clutch with 100K
miles on it when the tranny is out for some other repair.

Bryan

-----Original Message-----
From:   The Bus Depot [SMTP:ron@NETCARRIER.COM]
Sent:   Monday, June 22, 1998 6:51 AM
To:     Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Subject:        Re: Whining about head gaskets

> New heads would cost about another $1200...

> Ouch.  I didn't think they were that expensive, I thought you
> could get them for $300 a piece.

Actually they're not quite that expensive.  I list brand new 2.1L heads for
$399 each, or rebuilt 1.9's or 2.1's for $219 each plus $80 core. The new
heads are made by AMC/Spain (who, incidentally, is now the supplier of new
2.1L heads to Volkswagen Of America, so if you order new heads from the
Dealer you get the same AMC heads).  The rebuilt heads are AVP, and have
new
metal welded to the surface and machined back to spec. Complete German
engine gasket kits (including everything for both heads plus bottom-end
gaskets and the sealant) are $129.

That said, you may not need to automatically replace heads when doing a
head
gasket job.  You can take a look at the pitting and decide from there.  If
the pits are small and do not extend across the surface of the head, you
have a good chance of being able to re-use the heads.  I have taken this
chance a number of times on various Vanagons where the pitting was not
severe, and have had good luck every single time.  But of course the stakes
are high; if they do leak, you'll have to get the job done all over again.

Do you feel lucky?  :-)

- Ron Salmon
 The Bus Depot
 http://www.busdepot.com
 (215) 234-VWVW