I am pretty much resigned to having to change head gaskets and possibly
heads on my 1986 Vanagon - the alternate sources of leak proposed by
list members appear to be dry.  Fortunately, the drummer in my band is
an ex-VW dealership mechanic and will, at a minimum, offer a second
opinion as well as possibly help do the job should I decide to tackle it
myself.

Which brings me to the question - just how nasty a job is this!  The
book (Bentley) starts out by stating that this can be done with the
engine in the car and then goes through a laundry list of stuff to
remove including coolant pump, power steering pump and crankshaft
pulley.  The latter, covered in the dreaded group 13 requires a special
tool.  Also, once one gets the heads off, the book refers one to group
13 for removal of the pistons and sleeves (one hopes inside the sleeves)
to replace the seal on the other end of the sleeve.  Alas, this step
also requires special tools, at least according to Bentley.

This all gives rise to yet more questions, particularily for the
mechanically impared:

1)      Is this operation normally done without removing the engine?
2)      Is the degree of disassembly called out in Bentley really required
(in particular removal of the pully)?
3)      What is the consequence of not replacing the cylendar sleeve seal and
just leaving the sleeves in place (or pushing them back in if they come
out a bit before being seperated from the head)?
4)      Are there substitues for the various special tools called out?

And, finally, the punchline:

5)      What can I expect to pay if I take it to the shop!

Thanks to all the list members who responded to my original query on
this subject!  I guess it is time to either roll up my sleeves or pay
the piper!

                                Thanks,

                                Art Beutler