Folks, I am getting compression gas in my cooling system. At high RPM
coolant is pushed out.  I understand this means either a cracked head or
gasket failure?  All was absolutely fine until I performed my routine annual
cooling system drain/fill/bleed before putting the van up for winter.
Symptoms appeared immediately after the process (which I have done
successfully many times).  I confirmed presence compression gas with a block
tester as earlier advised by listees.

This is only 25K miles and 4 years after having my formerly local VW dealer
(Metro VW, Dallas, TX) installed new heads. VW has declined to assist now.

With 180K miles on the clock do I...
        A. spend $500 +/- to have the heads resealed,
        B. spend $1600+/- to replace heads, or
        C. spend $3000+/- to rebuild/replace engine?

This has been a meticulously cared for and maintained van... mostly highway
miles in Texas.  I *loose* less than 1/2 qt of oil between 3Kmile oil
changes.  It runs strong and sounds great...   the determining factor will
not be *investment* minded... I will be buried in my van!

I've been told by several folks that I'm wasting my money repairing the
existing engine due to internal block component age/mileage.  Any thoughts
from ya'll?

Now that I'm in Maine could anyone recommend a knowledgeable, conscientious,
honest Vanagon or at least VW specialist in the Southern Maine area to do
this work?

Thanks!
Eric

South Portland, Maine

'86 GL Weekender