Cylinder head nut torque has no effect on the outer gaskets. the clamping load holds the heads on top of the cylinders and the pre-load or tension is required to seal the cylinder to the head. The outer gasket has to rely on its own compressibility and the sealant to maintain the seal there. If the gaskets are in good condition and there are not getting speared from corrosion, the stop leak amy work but there are some risks.

The hardest part of doing head gaskets is usually the exhaust. The good books give 11 hours labor for doing both sides. The job is not the end of the world. Contrary to popular belief, many engines have head gasket issues. I do recomend replacing the cap nuts as part of the job and maybe testing the ability of the studs to tighten properly before removing the heads. (Remove nut, use new, grade 10.9 plain nut and hardened washer, tighten to spec you will use. If nut feels like it is stretching, time to replace the stud.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: Zoltan
Date: Wednesday, February 21, 2007 5:16 pm
Subject: Drips at gasket, can't tighten more
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

> As the headline says. Well, I thought, I need to retighten it
> but all the nuts are tight. Is it time to take the engine out?
> Or is there something I can still do?
> Zoltan
>