Guten Tag,

I got an WBX 1.9 with internal head gasket failure. No coolant dripping on
the outside, but coolant mixing with combustion gases, and vive versa.
I get 165 - 175 psi compression on all cylinders. This is high, as opposed
to spec 135psi. The engine always ran fine and strong. Now that it's been
sitting for almost a month, I get a lot of lifter noise. I have gotten that
noise before, and it usually goes away gradually. I idled it for about 20
min. the other day, after I installed a new radiator.
I have owned the vanagon for 2 years now, and didn't get a detailed history
of the maintenance with it. I don't know if the engine has been replaced.
Why are my compression numbers so high???
Is there a chance I might just be able to replace the gaskets?? How do I
check the heads once I have taken them off?? Can I check for cracks myself.
Is there a reliable way to test the heads by checking the valve clearance??
Any caveats besides Ole' Boston Bobs' in his head removal outline?

Matthias Kuster, L.A. CA--
1984 WBX 1.9 Wolfy Manual