Have you given any thought to trying to replace the head gaskets
yourself? The job is NOT all that complicated (If I can do it...) and the
costs are about $150 total (assuming you have the tools). If a gasket job is
all that it will take to get you back on the road for a few years you will
have saved yourself $850. If it turns out that you need a new engine after
all little will be lost besides the time it takes to pull the heads and look
around in there.

-----Original Message-----
From: Blake Thornton <thornton@MATH.UTAH.EDU>
To: vanagon@VANAGON.COM <vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Friday, November 20, 1998 8:30 PM
Subject: head gaskets

>I am posting this for a friend, and i know this topic gets plenty of band
>width, but its different when you're actually dealing with it
>
>the basic question is:
>replace the head gaskets or replace the entire engine?
>(I know this can be very opinionated, but any opinions are welcomed)
>heres the specifics:
>
>1984 wolfsburg(spelling?) westy.  he
>193,000 miles on engine.  could very well be the original head gaskets.
>my buddy bought the van (note: I am one of those who calls mine a van)
>back in may 1998 for $1500.
>
>The mechanic (i think he's a good one) here in town gave the price of
>around $1000 to replace the head gaskets, but then there is the question
>of heads, so this route could cost around $1800, but then engine has a
>ton of miles on it anyhow.
>
>the mechanic thinks a new engine will cost $3200 installed give or take
>depending on if there are additional problems found(water pump, clutch
etc.)
>
>if you think the new engine route is the way to go, here are some
>questions:
>Do we get a new or rebuilt engine
>(i understand its possible to get a new one from canada???)
>where do we get the engine?
>any advice???
>
>thanks for any advice on the matter.
>
>blake (and travis)
>in salt lake city
>
>BTW:  i've always reserved bus for pre vanagon.  it seems like the
>pre-vanagon folks dont all welcome vanagons into the "bus club" as
>i quite often get snubbed by them when I wave as we pass. is it just me
>or does everyone else get snubbed by the "bus" guys?