Actually I was thinking of all the maintenance, not just the coolant.  But
the coolant figures are a pretty good example.  If doing it right cost
$125/yr and the heads will last somewhere close to 200K miles at 20k miles
per year that 10 years.  Without proper maintenance your heads might last
what 4-5 years so you've saved 4 years times $125 per year or $500 over 4
years.  Do new heads cost more than $500?  I'd guess so so it's worthwhile
doing the coolant maintenance.  So do it.

When everything get factored in however, it's not such an easy equation.
For example, taking it easy on the throwout bearing by shifting into neutral
at each stop may save it but if you're doing a clutch job the bearing price
is such a small increment that it may as well get replaced.  So probably
shifting into neutral isn't worth it [I still do it, old habit]

Once all the myriad factors come into play I suspect that the decision is
not very clear cut and comes down to:

Am I going to keep the vehicle for a long time?  Do the maintenance.  If
not, oh, well!

Mike
'85 Westy [which I really like but don't know it's history -per Dr. Tim- and
am reluctant to put the money into it to get it right and how's this for a
post script?]

----- Original Message -----
From: T.P. Stephens <doktortim@rockisland.com>
>
> Figure $125 per year for enhanced full drain/rinse/renew cooling system
> maintenance if you hire it done with spec fluid. Divide that into the cost
> of motor replacement to see the number of years equivalent. Vote your
> pocket book.
>
>
> Doktor Tim
> Maintenance Repair and Restoration of European Vehicles
> San Juan Island, WA