On Jan 8, 2005, at 4:09 PM, Dennis Haynes wrote:

> Does the engine have the same 190K as the van?

Yes, I bought it new so I know the history.
> If so, I agree with the
> approach of replacing the gaskets only and you need to buy some time.
> Of
> course this depends on the health of the rest of the engine.
>
> Normally, the cylinders in these engines never wear out, only the ring
> lands and of course valves, guides, bearings, and the cam shafts. Was
> the compression-leak down and oil pressure tested before pulling the
> heads?

Compression was good 6 months ago, doesn't leak, drip, burn, use,
smoke...
>
> Once you bring the heads to a shop, some money will flow. If the valves
> and guides are good, bead blasting or a good cleaning with those
> abrasive wheels will do. A product called the "Right Stuff" applied to
> the rubber gasket will make a good seal regardless of pitting or even
> some corrosion on the case. I have also found that Hylomar makes an
> excellent dressing for the o-ring around the cylinder and metal seals
> between the cylinder and head. If the heads need any real amount of
> work, it is time for new ones.

I'm just having them cleaned, replacing all the fuel hose and replacing
all the exhaust HW with stainless steel and lots of anti-seize
compound.

And saving up for a new engine...

Jim
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
> Of Jim Felder
> Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2005 3:16 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Question about 2.1 cylinder and head question
>
> A few minutes ago I finished pulling the heads on my 2.1 in
> anticipation of installing new head gaskets and fuel hose.
>
> Cylinder question: the car has 190K miles on it, and I noticed I could
> feel no lip inside the cylinder... none. Upon closer inspection with a
> light, I can still see the crosshatch from the factory. Is this normal?
> Unusual?
>
> Head question: I'm not going to do anything to the heads but clean them
> up and stick them back on with new gaskets. They are pitted, though,
> and I am going the JB weld route. Should I just send the heads to a
> shop and have them cleaned? Do it myself? How much should I expect to
> pay for just a cleaning? I assume they will have to pull the  springs
> and valves.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jim
>
>
>