Verne--

Both are NOT good mechanics. One of them is looking out for your interests,
while the other is so shortsighted he probably can't see past his nose.

If you aren't passing smog, and your van has 180k on it, there is no doubt
the heads (valves, guides, etc) are worn out.

While prima fascia it may seem "stupid" to replace the entire motor when
(on the surface) only the heads are worn out, every other wear part in your
motor has 180k on it, and is near then end of its service life.

The mechanic who is encouraging you to throw some of your retirement money
at these heads will see you back soon to throw even more money when the
bottom end goes.

Buy a motor, and be glad yours lasted 180k.

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree

-----Original Message-----
From:   Verne Ball [SMTP:vball@SOCRATES.BERKELEY.EDU]
Sent:   Monday, May 17, 1999 5:25 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        '87 vanagon - new heads or new engine? help!

I have an '87 Vanagon with 180k.  The heads are real bad and it won't pass
CA smog test.  I don't know enough to tell if these are related.

One mechanic told me I should go ahead and replace the whole engine since
it would not cost that much more than a rebuild.  Another mechanic said
that was stupid, and they both seem like good mechanics.

What to do?

-Verne