Looking to get a valve job in Vegas

[OnTheVanagain]

I’m hoping to get some advice on what to do. I’ve been extremely frustrated with a problem I’ve had with my vanagon for about a year now. Coolant starts spraying out of the back after I’ve been driving for about 30 minutes. I’ve trouble shooted the hell out of anything else it could be and have pretty much replaced all the coolant components in the van. But I’m still left with what I’ve been told is a combustion problem.

At this point I’m pretty sure I need a valve job. I’m just scared to take it to a shop unless it recommended by a member. Ever since I’ve owned my vanagon(or it’s owned me) it seems like shops are more concerned about how much money they can extract from me in the shortest amount of time. I won’t name any shops but last year in Florida I was charged $1400 for an electrical issue and they refused to give me the ECU or any of the parts they said where fried. Then later I found out they’re infamous for always finding an expensive problem to fix.

Now that I’m living in Vegas I called one of the local shops and asked if they do valve jobs and I was told that most likely the heads are warped and that most likely I’d need an entire rebuild and it would estimate about 6k. My first thought was to just order a gowesty 2.2 engine and just do the swap myself.

I’d like to know what course of action you guys would take in my situation. I love my vanagon and don’t want to sell her. I just feel stuck on what to do. I’m willing to invest money to get this problem fixed I’m just lost on what to do. If you would like to see my vanagon and slides of work I’ve done to her my Instagram is @thyswayze

[Ahwahnee]

What you describe is more likely a failure of the head gaskets rather than a valve problem.

There are repairs that are simpler and cheaper than a rebuild but you have to weigh that against what you plan for the van's future.

A good rebuild (like the 2.2 you mention) is an option (that is what I did 15 years ago), but getting it and installing it yourself probably won't leave you with much change from $6,000.

[OnTheVanagain]

[MarkWard]

Have you had the pressure tank cap checked?
_________________
☮️

[tencentlife]

There is no engine valve problem that could be the cause of the problem you describe.

You have either a bad coolant pressure cap, so the cap needs to be tested, or there is a fire ring (multi-layer steel combustion seal) leak allowing combustion gases to over-pressurise the cooling system. Both can also be true at once, but the latter can be ascertained regardless of the truth of the former by driving until the coolant gauge is indicating temperature, then remove the front grille and unscrew the radiator bleeder bolt a turn or two. If gases and bubbles escape for several seconds before liquid flows out, it is a fire ring leak. If you see a few bubbles and aren't sure it's enough to indicate this problem, close the bleeder bolt, drive for 15minutes, flooring the gas pedal as often as you can or climbing some steep hills that require you to, and check again, if there are gas bubbles again the second time you can be quite sure it's a fire ring leak.

If it doesn't fail that test, focus on getting the pressure cap tested.

Another thing to note is when the coolant is shooting out the back, look at the liquid level in the pressure tank in the engine bay (do NOT remove the cap): is the liquid level right up to the top? If so, focus on the pressure cap. Is the liquid level more than 1.5-2" down? You have a fire ring leak.

If you do find it's a fire ring leak, then one or both cylinder heads must be removed to be resealed. If both it's definitely worthwhile to remove the engine to do the work on the bench, if only one side then flip a coin, but I would personally always remove the engine and do the same work to both heads, and working on the bench makes it much more assured there will be good results. The heads must be checked to be sure they aren't warped (it's rare with these short boxer heads but can happen after extreme overheat events).

At that time, with the heads off, a valve job is actually a good idea, these engines should really get a valve job about every 100k miles anyway, it's just smart maintenance.

And I strongly recommend this method of sealing the fire rings if the heads are off:

https://intrepidoverland.com/the-fire-ring-cure/
_________________
Shop for unique Vanagon accessories at the Vanistan shop:
https://intrepidoverland.com/vanistan/

Please don't PM here, I will not reply.

Experience is kryptonite to doctrine.

[OnTheVanagain]

[tencentlife]

[OnTheVanagain]

[Ahwahnee]

[mikemtnbike]

Realistically i think a GW engine will be closer to 7k minimum with parts you’re bound to need, tools, fluids, etc. Just for budgeting purposes. Although shipping may be cheaper to Vegas, dunno.
_________________
1991 Vanagon GL 2.1 AT Westfauxlia. "Frankie" Totaled https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=764510&highlight=carnage
1995 Eurovan Camper "Marzivan"
2020 GTI SE manual

[OnTheVanagain]

Ok so I spoke to a shop called wolf shop repair and he said he could do the head gaskets for me for $2,000 because it is a 15 hour job he says. Does that sound like a good deal. What’s the average paid for a head gasket job on a vanagon.

[Ahwahnee]

The price is in the ballpark in my opinion - the unknown is the reputation and competency of the shop, what guarantee they offer, how fixed that price is and do they really stand behind their work?

[Syncronoid]

From the title, I was expecting something totally different here. Carry on.
_________________
'90 Syncro Westy w/GW2.5L

[OnTheVanagain]

[MarkWard]

How many miles on the engine? Sealing the top end can put additional strain on the bottom end. If this is a high mileage engine a long block would become more appealing and possibly less down time.
_________________
☮️

[Abscate]

[Irishcalifornian]

[OnTheVanagain]

[OnTheVanagain]

Also btw I want to thank everyone on this website for info and guidance. When I bought my Vanagon there was only 3 for sale in Florida. It was listed at 22k and I got it down to 18k I went for it because it was in mint condition. I spent the next year working out almost everyday just trying to learn about it before a major roadtrip. I knew nothing about mechanics but with the help from you guys I learned how to swap out everything including a suspending overhaul. Also did upgrades like the Tencent like oil cooler and the gowesty transmission cooler and all that.

Also learned how to retromod and added a battery and trucker fridge and all that Jazz. At this point I’m 10k plus in and I’m hoping that getting this engine problem fixed would give me some return of investment back in enjoyment 😂