1984 vanagon leaking coolant from right head what to do?

[ahrenswett]

My 1984 Vanagon is leaking coolant from the right head, it has 205000 miles on it. The options I have come up with are to replace both gaskets and get the heads resurfaced, or to replace both head gaskets and heads. I also have a Subaru 2.2 liter that I can rebuild and take the wiring harness from to make a vanaru. Any suggestions would be highly welcome I'm not sure what exactly is going to be the best course of action for the long run and I'm pretty strapped on cash right now. But cash aside what is the best option.

[Terry Kay]

Go and get a bottle of Bars Leak, or the alleged miracle in a bottle Subaru conditioner & plug all.
Total outlay?
Maybe 9 bucks--
if your strapped, this is the answer.

No guarantee's included.
_________________
T.K.

[ahrenswett]

[dobryan]

Short term, use the Subaru conditioner. Maybe $3 at a dealer. It has a good chance of sealing a minor leak for a while or longer.

Long term, decide on a rebuild of the wbx vs DIY a Subaru conversion. Your choice. $$$ either way.
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[dobryan]

[bluebus86]

with 205k miles on the motor I would consider a full rebuild at that point. for all the labor to replace the head gaskets, it don't seem worth it on a motor this used. I guess you need to check the over all health of the motor first, do a compression test and oil pressure test, that will help tell you if a rebuild is needed. My guess is that at 205k miles it is approaching rebuild time if not past it.

If you drive a 2.1 liter to death, sometimes the rod fails and it gets thrown thru the case, making rebuild of that motor impossible within usual financial limits.

Mine was rebuild at 178 Kmiles
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[Terry Kay]

He's strapped--no rebuilds.

Plug All is the only answer regardless of the radiator , heater cores or anything else's condition.

Plug and roll, no other options.

Sometimes I wonder why folks post up this sort of scenarios;
"I'm toast , but the vans broke, how do I get it running?"
"I'm tapioca, am stone broke but want to know my options"

There is no options other than getting a job, gaining some squid, and getting it fixed right--head seals, valve job, who know's till ya open it up?

No quick answers or any good answer's in this arena of of issues anyway, given these parameter's
_________________
T.K.

[vanagonjr]

If you do decide to remove the heads, you might want to look into replacing the rod and bearings with re-built ones from Van-Cafe or elsewhere. Supposedly, they can be done without splitting the case -you would need to research that.
If possible, that at then point you would might want to install new rings ($32)

Note the heads might be cracked and need replacing. $420/Ea @ Van-Cafe.. Rod set $110 @ Van-Cafe. With seals and other things that are going to be needed, I guess you are looking at $1,500 doing it yourself. Some might say at that point to replace the main bearings and pistons & cylinders, etc., but that is a slippery slope, if not money wise, then at least project work wise.

So you have to figure if the $1,500 is worth it, or would you rather put that money towards a conversion a complete rebuilt engine.

I'd get an oil pressure on that engine first thing, then compression and leak-down and then you will have a bit more knowledge on that state of the engine health and with that I am sure that someone here (not me) can help assess the situation.
_________________
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[ahrenswett]

Awesome thanks all. I really want to take the money issue out of this as I may be getting assistance from a veteran's assistance group. I'm just trying to figure out the best overall solution for the long term solution for the long term. I really want to do the conversion but that's going to mean rebuilding the Subaru engine I have. And a lot of hours

[Terry Kay]

Repairing what you have would be the fastest way back to the highway---

Shorter Denaros too--
_________________
T.K.

[bluebus86]

[bluebus86]

[Terry Kay]

Limited funds.

Do some message surfing prior to goingcfor the full meal deal.

Unless of course you just enjoy typing opinions.
_________________
T.K.

[dobryan]

[morymob]

My 2nd 84 gl came with a split hd gadket,decision time. Removed eng (had appx 150k+??). Replaced brngs ,seals hone /rings, heads as they were, clutch disc & water pump, later at 330k+(found a westy) it was sold still running strong at past 350k. Was also as reliable as it gets, so they can go on & on if taken care of. My goal was 400k at the time. The westy, a 88, passed hot oil test as new, gonna check it occasionally & drive until wheels no longer touch the ground. Have always done all my own work since i was 16 so i don't see a conversion in the future, as usual no warranty offered at this time.

[Terry Kay]

That is open for discussion.

The OP didn't mention he found the end of the rainbow or the golden goose.

The vets administration won't cause him to be "The Donald" all of a sudden.
_________________
T.K.

[dobryan]

[Terry Kay]

Then, with that all said, & totally understood there is nothing else to do but buy a new engine.
_________________
T.K.

[bluebus86]

[size=18][size=18]

[Terry Kay]

For eons here folks have been poisoning the air waves with Subaru conditioner/ sealer.
It's claimed to be better than Aunt Jemima pancake mix.
Long term, 10-20 year durability with no reoccurring leakation.

Money aside, here today, gone tomorrow, this is the best he can do for just about zirp bucks---ala forum poisonous information library.

I did mention fixing the heads, it was all of a sudden mentioned that money was no longer an object, I suggested to buy a new engine.

I went all over the map here with suggestions, and that isn't right?
Ok--ditch the busted toilet and buy another van with a new engine in it.

Done.
_________________
T.K.