For starters you don't just re-torque Vanagon head nuts. Sometimes, you
can tighten another 1/4 to 1/2 turn but proper re-tourqing requires
removing the nuts, replacing or at least re-tapping the threads and then
re-installing with sealant on the flange and a proper lubricant on the
threads to the proper torque.

These studs never pull out. If they can't be torqued down they are
stretching. If they loosened after an overheat situation, then they have
stretched beyond the elastic point and they need to be replaced. Heads
off and cylinders out. Of course, if the engine overheated enough to
loosen the studs by overstretching, it is toasted and may not even be
rebuild able without major case machining.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Joel Cort
Sent: Thursday, July 20, 2006 7:00 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Help and advice requested on engine case bolts

Hi folks,

  I got a call from a guy in asking for help and advice having problems
and his engine.  It is an 1987 2.1ltr. With 140K original miles.  It has
overheated.

  The mechanic working on it replaced the water pump, the thermostat and
the heads.  When he tried to torque down the heads on one side, he could
not hold the torque.

  My diagnosis is that studs are coming out of the case or the threads
in the case are shot.

  Has anyone had to deal with the studs coming out of the case?
What is the possible remedy?
Can you hellicoil the studs back in?
Or can you weld material in and rethread them in?
Can you JB Weld them in and will it hold?

  Thanks,
Joel B. Cort
  Western NY LiMBO Reprenstative
  Westies @ Watkins V
  89 Syncro Westy

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