I am seriously reconsidering my years of brand loyalty to VW!!!!!!:cussing> I spoke too soon the other day when I said my wasserboxer water problem was solved:cry. I followed advice and tightened my radiator cap and that seemed to fix the problem of vanishing water. The bus seemed to be going fine until today. I just went for a short drive and then on the way home the engine seemed to get sluggish...almost like the engine was missing. Then slowly the temperature gauge began to rise. It was only a little higher than midway so I drove home as fast as I could...of course I got every red light!
Even so the temp stayed just over midway. Then as soon as I got home...and turned the engine off the temp' gauge shot right up and the water light flashed and then we fled the van as a volcanoe of steam issued from the passenger side rear air vent. I am guessing that this means my head gasket has gone. I hope that doesn't mean my engine is f**ked. Thanks SANTA!:vader. I am hoping that someone will reply and tell me that in fact what happened is normal and it is only a small problem that will be fixed in a jiffy:party Otherwise I am never going to forgive VW for watercooling the flat4:sandrine. I am yet to see the benefit. After years of reliable motoring with beetles and my beloved type 3 I am seriously unhappy with my Caravelle

Just out of curiosity....what work was done to it at the "shop"? Has the thermostat been replaced?Is/was it sticking?:jesus

I very sorry about your dilema but I think blaming me is a little unfair.

Thanks to the oddities of the space time continuem I've only just finished delivering last years presents - with the sled WELL overdue for a service (It is aircooled before you ask), and I log on here looking for a bit of advice to find out I'm taking the wrap for something I didn't even do.

Anyway VERY VERY sorry to hear about your problem

Have a :beer

Thanks guys! Sorry santa...you're right it isn't your fault. Yes the thermostat was replaced...lot of good that did! I found out that I have got a split head...that's sort of like a splitting head ache but more painfull and expensive. Anyone know the average price of a new head for a '90 Caravelle C? I've been told about $600:cry

Just out of curiosity, how many kay's has the van done?
Rob....

http://www.aussieveedubbers.com/forum/viewthread.php?tid=15459 

Could be an answer Wolfie??

We will keep all options open! As for the Klm 228,000 or there abouts...so bound to happen soon..I guess.:beer

you got the radiater already

Yes, go the suby it i'll be cheaper and quicker in the long run!!!
:jesus
:tree

I went thru this drama with my fathers car about 7 years ago. Cost $4500 to do up engine with new rad, also clutch etc. I swore then that i would never have anything to do with WBX again. But! they are otherwise soooo good! So i bought one for myself with the full intention of fitting a subie and have just done that!

Further to previous post, there are a pair of wbx heads for sale for $600 on this forum... alternatively, My whole engine is for sale for $1000 ( without muffler)

OK! a split head is one thing...but now Ben Durie has told us that it looks like the studs are ceased...so he reckons it will cost about $5,500 to fix:cussing That doesn't include the cost of the new hoses compressor resevoir thingy that is fed by the radiator resevoir whatsit. Don't get me wrong I am not blaming this on Ben..not at all...I am however blaming it on VW and their stupid decision to watercool a perfectly good motor:vader I am ready to abandon my loyalty to VW!!! Highly corrodable studs...what were they thinking? How much would it be to fit a Liberty engine? any estimates out there? Does anyone have any stories to tell about stainless steel studs? Good or bad? Thanks for letting me let off some steam here.:tree

Hmmm... maybe no help but Busman had a Caravelle with the Suth Efricun modification of the Golf engine in the back

Could buy that and sell yours :jesus

Sorry to hear the troubles

G'day wolfsburger,
Mine cost $2500 for the engine in front cut, another $2000 for fitting and new stuff. 150BHP, smoooooth, quickish, This is what VW should have done. Also better fuel economy, not accurately checked but seems like about 20% better. I got dohc 4V/cyl ej25
tonyg