Hi,
I'm making progress with my head gasket problem.  Thank you to all who
have helped.

I'm at a point in my journey of VW mechanics where I have a number of
questions to ask the wise sages on this list.

Do I need to use some type of silicone sealant on the waterpump
o-rings and gaskets or can I just bolt it back on to the engine?

Do I need to change the gasket between the thermostat and the
waterpump or can I reuse the old one?

I ordered a new o-ring for the metal top tube that crosses from the
thermostat housing to the passenger cylinder head.  Do I need to put
some type of silicone sealant on this?

There are so many seals to buy.  Do I need to replace all the exhaust
gaskets or can I reuse the old ones?  What about the fuel injectors?
I'm not completely confident that I'll be able to get the van running
again (my first time with cylinder head change), so I want to
primarily change the cylinder head gaskets first and only the
necessary seals.  Then, after I make sure that it runs okay, do a big
change of hoses and seals.

How do I know if I have to replace my cylinder head or if I can reuse
my old one.  I am wondering if it is warped, especially the driver's
side with white valves on it.  It looks fine to me sitting on my
washing machine.  I gotta move it to a bench.  The wife is getting a
upset that I'm using our new washing machine as a work bench.  ;-)

Thanks.

--
Craig Oda   craigoda@communitybuilders.info
VW Info: 1983 VW Westfalia, water-cooled, automatic