fits a 2.1 waterboxer engine also.
I'd take out the rubber gaskets ........the 'outer water retention gaskets'
....
and see how pliable they are.
I would expect them to be shiny black rubber. ......and pretty pliable.
They're not 'real' rubbery/compressible..........but they need some
resilience of course.

It does makes sense to me to consider what their shelf life might be
.........as they go south on the engine anyway, after a # of years.
I suspect there is a little risk.......but if the price is right
..........someone might be willing to try them.

----- Original Message -----
From: "John Lauterbach" <jhlauterbach@BELLSOUTH.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, July 12, 2009 1:56 PM
Subject: Do head-gasket kits age?

>I was out in the garage rearranging things, and I came across a
>elring-brand head-gasket kit for a 1.9L engine ('84 Vanagon) I purchased
>from Ken Wilford, 05/22/00.  I had thought I was going to need it, but Bars
>Leak kept things together for over another 3 years when I put a Boston Bob
>long block in.  Ken's receipt said $120 including O/N air shipment.
>
> Is this kit still good?
>
> John in Macon, GA