Larry, the WBX engine doesn't require re-torque of the head bolts due to
it's design. BTW, that engine I did probably 'could have' been fixed
with just a tightening of the bolts but I pulled the heads to be sure
and replaced the gaskets. ALL head bolts had approximately 20 ft/lbs of
torque when I pulled it apart, AND all of the large crankcase bolts were
loose as well, this after NO overheating. So where/who do we place the
blame?

Karl Mullendore
Westy Ventures

Larry Chase wrote:
> Volks,
>
> What's your take on Scott's suggestion?
>
> A while back, after only 9k miles,  I replaced both heads (used new
> AMC) and one piston on the 2.1L "AVP" rebuilt engine in the Haus.
>
> Had combustion gasses in the coolant which caused "coolant blowing".
>
> One or more heads may have gotten warped, one piston had blow by.
>
> Observation ...  the engine had several loose head bolts.
>
> Scott's suggestion kinda hit home?
>
> Oddly, shortly after my problem, Karl Mullendore was working on a
> Vanagon in his shop that had the same problem. AVP Rebuilt engine with
> ~10k miles also had several loose head bolts. Fortunately he was able to
> retorque everything and it was good to go. Caught it before heads were
> warped or other damage was done.
>
> I know the some of the head bolts aren't all that easy to get to ... so
> maybe every oil change is too frequent. But I'm thinking once a year
> might be a heck of a lot easier and cheaper than replacing the head
> gaskets or even the heads.
>
> That is, if this would help.
>
> Thoughts,
>
> Larry Chase