I used alum seal in my 85 westy and it made things worse. Our VW engine
cases and heads are NOT aluminium, they're a magnesium alloy. I used to set
busted ones on fire with a welding torch and watch them burn. Magnesiun
burns real good. When dissimilar metals come in contact with each other in
the
presence of an electrolyte (coolant), electrolytic cooroision takes place. I
had to throw away my original engine (bought the car new - still own it)
even tho it ran great. It wouldn't hold water. I replaced it with a 87 motor
from a wreck. Now I ONLY use VW coolant and distilled water in it. Oh yea,
Someone told me that Barrs Leaks powder is made from cacuts. I figured that
was ok and put some in about 500 mi ago.

Stay tuned,
~Dan

----- Original Message -----
From: "Larry Word" <wordlarry2002@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, June 09, 2002 1:39 AM
Subject: Vanagon - old heads - leaks -alum. seal products $3

> I am trying to bring an old vanagon back to life.....
>
> I bought vanagon approx. 3 yrs. ago (w/ blown engine),
> put junkyard engine in which immed. leaked.  Torn
> heads off, showed them to local "expert VW mechanic"
> who said 'they're OK just replace gasket' and so I
> listened to him.  Bought a Subaru car as a replacement
> engine for the future...that project is on hold
> because I like my 1.9l VW Engine so.....
>
> But the new gasket leaked.  I have put alum. seal $3
> into this engine and my leaks are gone....and its
> approx. 10K miles later.  What does the group think
> about a $3 fix to the pitted heads of an old vanagon
> engine.
>
> It works for me now.....so tell me why this does
> always work?  Also I am using the alum. seal that is
> pure alum. so I hoped it would simply fill in the pits
> on my alum. head..so far so good.
>
> Just want feedback of group on this if I can...
>
> Larry
>
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