I had the same problem identifying things when I worked the heads on my '87-
my problem was made that much worse by the fact that I didn't have any
experience with these engines and I didn't take it apart to begin with...
not fun.

However, IIRC, I wound up using the flat copper washers on the two studs
that the valve rocker assembly bolts to- I don't remember if the directions
I got with the kit said to do it or I just decided to, so there ya go. I
think the directions in the kit said to; anyway, as I recall, they were the
only things that looked right as a replacement.

In my kit (for both heads) there were two small green o-rings. As I never
found any when I went through the engine (and never found any reference to
them), I wound up using them on the head coolant drain bolts. You can't
torque 'em down too much, but you don't need to. It's been well over a year
and they're still there.

As for the other doohickey, I remember that thing and I'm pretty sure I used
it (somewhere in the exhaust path?) but it's 0240 and I'm not gonna go out
there and crawl under the thing in the dark to look, sorry. : ) I'm sure
somebody'll tell you. I'm sure if I completely misused 'em they'll tell both
of us.

Hope that helps.

Cya,
Robert

----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Guzyk" <paullist@GUZYK.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, October 22, 2004 10:10 PM
Subject: Re: What are these Parts for?

>>  Can someone help identify
>>where the following parts go?
>>
>>Two copper flat washers, about 7/16 in total diameter.  I thought
>>it was meant to be a crush washer for the head drain bolt under
>>the head, but why two?
>
> Maybe you got a bonus one for the other head?
>
>>
>>One small green O-ring, about 7/16 inch in total diameter.
>>Doesn't appear to be for the fuel injectors, and there's not
>>enough for both injectors.
>
> Might be for the dipstick holder. Not sure why it would come with a
> head gasket kit.
>
>>
>>One large metal gasket, with two 1 1/2 inch circular holes in it.
>>  Built like an exhaust manifold gasket, but wrong shape and wrong
>>number of ports.
>
> Probably for the junction between the front and rear exhaust pipes
> and the pipe that goes to the Cat on the drivers side of the van.