Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          86-SS Syncro
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
                                   92-Jetta GWC
            www.fyi.net/~vw4x4/vw4x4.htm

On Wed, 22 Sep 2004, wayout wrote:

> Hello all!
>
> I am replacing a head gasket right now and am about to reinstall.
> My gasket kit was short 1 "O-ring gasket "  (Bentley Page 15.22).
> Desperate to not lose more time waiting for a replacement, I talked to a local VW mechanic who hadnt worked on a wasserboxer in a long time, but said that he couldnt remember the O_Ring, just the flat metal ring.
> It is clearly there in the bentley, and says "always replace".
>
> On the other hand, I tore down a blown 1.9 that I had lying around today, and there were no O-Ring gaskets installed in there, and that van had NO water leaks at all.
>
> Questions:
>
> 1. Do I really need the O-Ring gasket?
       Yes.... clean up the best of an old one.... better than nothing

>
> 2. Opinions on whether to put sealant on both
sides of the new head gasket... The 1.9 that I took apart today only
 had sealant on the head
 side, not on the case side. (Again, that engine had no leaks)
   I put it on both sides, but I use standard black sylicone, and only
a very small amount.  Black stuff has very good adhision.

>
> Thanks Alot,
>
> Jason L.
> 85GL 2.1
>