Last night about 8:00 Suzanne turned the key and our Westfalia sprung
back to life after two years of head-problem malaise. We had a newer
pair of heads rebuilt, re-honed the cylinders, replaced the (gag) Grant
rings with Total Seal rings, and now she is purring like a kitten.
Amazingly smooth.

I learned a couple things I'll share:
1.      CS (Cheng Shing) 96mm alloy pistons were designed for the Ford
Pinto, and modified for use in the Type 4. As such, they do NOT have
standard 1.5 mm compression rings. They are 1/4".
2.      Coveralls are the smartest thing since the invention of the
wheel.
3.      Purple Power (biodegradable degreaser) is the smartest stuff
since coveralls.
4.      A new engine-surround seal for the Vanagon is $100 (gasp).
Cheaper at the dealer than at some vendors; some vendors list it for
less but "can't get it right now".
5.      The EFI resistor pack plug CAN hook up to the EFI harness
backwards, and will cause a 2-3 second run, then no run condition, and
LOTS of chin rubbing.
6.      The "Rear Pin" (the most rearward part of the shift linkage,
bolted to the tranny) is a simple like cadmium-plated rod with a nylon
bushing on one end. $42 (complete rip off). The boot to cover it; NLA.
7.      There are few things sweeter than the smooth, even burble of a
newly rebuilt motor. Our Bottom End is a Berg 71 mm CounterWeighted
crank, and all the parts are set matched balanced, then dynamically
balanced. It is so smooth. Ah.

We are going camping again next weekend. Hurray!!!

Happy Motoring!

gmb