>From: Leo Lee

I guess, it is time for a head job. I have some experience working on this
Van, but never actually open the head. I have the Bently manual, and also
have a copy of Boston Bob,s article on cylinder head replacement. I think I
am all ready to get on the job.
>I really wellcome any comments on what should and should not do about the
>cylinder head job from the fellow listees who has done this job before.
>Thanks folks

I have just recently done this and I am in Texas, too. Austin area.

First I would look at all of the components that you might want to replace
while in there.

Fuel lines.
Fuel injector seals.
Definately the two short peices of coolant hose, one on the crossover pipe
behind the crank pulley, the other between the thermostat and the 3/4 head.
Thermostat.
Check the water pump.
Oil cooler seal.
Rear main seal.
GET VALVE ADJUSTMENT SCREWS. These you can glance at before you ever start
but you will not be able to see the business end of them until you get them
out.

If they(heads) are not corroded then count youorself lucky. If they are then
how are you going to deal with that, you should plan.

All in all this is a straight foward deal, just follow the manuals and
remember what you have read, or keep it close at hand.

Good Luck,

Michael Knight
'77 Westy Deluxe, "el Verde"
'85 Vanagon GL, nameless
http://photos.yahoo.com/electrictrain@sbcglobal.net