Dave,

Aahhh...I always thought that swapping an engine and doing a head(s) job were
never synominous with one another - or am I wrong? After all, the costs aren't
even close, and the parts...go figure. Find another mech-a-nic, perferably one
who enjoys a little bratten on der shnitzel.

Tyrone
Big Pine Key, FL

87 GL Syncro Leaker / Pee'er
85 Westy

Ware, Dave K wrote:

> Hi folks,
>
> A couple of you requested details regarding the post I made yesterday about
> Dad's '86 Westfalia.
>
> 110,000 miles.  Dad took it to the repair shop because the engine was making
> a "ticking noise".  The noise is louder when the engine starts and eases a
> bit after that.  It is not "horrendous".  Dad is not a mechanic but he has
> been driving cars for 55 years and to him, it sounds like valve clatter.
> For what it's worth, the mechanic at the repair shop (not a VW specialist)
> did say there is a burned valve (or valves.)
>
> There is no loss of power.
>
> Dad also mentioned multiple oil leaks.  The Vanagon is parked now at the
> repair shop; so far they've replaced the filler tube and oil filter, both of
> which had holes.  Apparently there is some leaking from somewhere else also.
> Possibly unrelated to the valves?
>
> Well.  The repair shop is advising an engine replacement.  Is there much
> possibility that they're wrong about the valves?  Perhaps it would be worth
> taking it to a VW specialist.  Any suggestions or direction would be
> appreciated.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Dave