Your logic is right on and thats what I would do. But my  question here is why
leak at only 4000 miles?? I think I would have po on one side of engine and the
orginal mechanic on other and I would start screwing their heads down until I
got some answers.

Bryan Feddish wrote:

> 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