Hello list,
    Dropped off my 84 westy at the mechanic for a tune up and because it was
sometimes difficult to start when engine was warm.
    He calls and says he left it idling in the shop for 30 minutes (to warm
it up good before checking for hot start problem), and the head gaskets blew
out on him. I seem to remember the owners manual saying something about
never leaving this vehicle running unless you are behind the wheel or
driving it, but he says no, he *tests* westies like this all the time, he's
a factory trained VW guy.
    All I know is it was running when I brought it in to him, now I'm facing
at least $1100 for head gaskets, which he says really aren't enough, I
should replace the heads too, since the head gaskets were replaced before,
and for that cost I could replace the whole engine.
    I'll be calling my lawyer today just to see if there is any legal
recourse I can take against this guy. Seems like for a VW *expert* he
shouldn't have just let the vehicle run unattended for so long and
subsequently blow up on a hot summer day. Especially if it says right in the
owners manual not to do that. Or am I wrong? I sure would appreciate any
input you fellow westy owners may have to share with me.
Many thanks.
Stranded in Pacific NW...:(