Thanks for your responses on switching an aircooled for a watercooled.  I love
my "Whale" as it is affectionately referred to.  My particular problem
mechanically is this. A month ago, I had the starter replaced and the cooling
hoses also replaced.  About two days later, it began to run like a dog. Once
you're at cruising speed, it's wonderful...you can cruise at 65 and it doesn't
even breathe....but idling is anothing thing....and getting it to cruising
speed it feels like it is running on two cylinders. The mechanic told me he
thought it was head gasket pressure. He said the pressure in the water hoses
was high. If it were head gasket pressure, whatever that is, would it run
great at cruising speeds and like a dog until you get to cruising speed? Could
this not be timing? Any help would be appreciated.  The car is in Washington
DC and all the VW dealers and independent garages that specialize in VW's are
backed up a minimum of three weeks.  So, I'm looking to resurrect the Whale to
make it driveworthy across country.  Again, your feedback is GREATLY
appreciated.

Harold Jaynes

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