--- s_j_wacker@JUNO.COM wrote:

<snip>
we read in the Bentley that hairline cracks between
the
valves or valves and spark plug holes do not affect
the longevity of the head. I'm going to have the old
heads cleaned up and put away for the next van that
needs them. We have six Vanagons in the family.
<snip>

When I had "overheating" problems with my '84 I did a
compression test and #1 wouldn't hold pressure like
the other three.  After removing the heads, I saw that
the crack between the valve seats on #1 was just a tad
wider than the others.

I had the head pressure tested and, sure enough, #1
failed.

I replaced that head and cured the problems.

It might be a good idea to have those heads pressure
tested prior to re-use.

Mike
'84 GL
'85 Westy

__________________________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
New DSL Internet Access from SBC & Yahoo!
http://sbc.yahoo.com