In a message dated 5/2/2010 2:36:04 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,
syncronicity1@GMAIL.COM writes:

So a  question, does the Vanagon spark plug hole have a tapered or square
seal at  the top?  Could this old "timesert" thing be the source of  low
compression if it was incorrect?  A couple of compression tests  several
months ago showed this cylinder low (can't recall the number, the  rear one
on the driver's side).

hello Roland there are a bunch of different plug inserts out there. They
all work about the same.  no compresion loss if installed correctly and  head
has no cracks.  hole is not tappered and I don't know what you are  calling
a square seal? Plugs do have sealing rings on them and should be left on
later  mark d