yes
double check the placement of the ignition wires
bleed the cooling system
don't let it idle for a few minutes
check for leaks gas oil and coolant
don't expect the engine to be smooth until the valves are opening all the
way this will happen when the lifters pump up
blue smoke is good short term
white smoke is always bad
use a 30x 8 mm bolt for the exhaust to head connection

Bob Donalds
Boston Engine

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jere Hawn" <jghawn@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2005 8:37 PM
Subject: Heads

Greetings all

The Saga of the head continues.

            Today and yesterday I reassembled.  A one day slow down because
I had purchased exhaust bolts that were too long.  I picked up a whole
collection of 8mm x various.

            Everything together, a full load of oil and a fresh filter; then
the coolant,  oops. forgot to put in the o-ring to the thermostat housing.
Cleaned the mess and put in the o-ring.  Then the battery was dead, charged
it then I was ready to go.

            I took the spark plugs out and ran it on the starter until the
oil light went out then reinstalled the plugs and fired her up.  She started
but very reluctantly.  The valves made a lot of noise and I have blue smoke.
She runs rough, very rough.

            Any suggestions?

Jere