Yup, it had water in the oil and one of the bolts broke too.  Toast.
Thanks Dennis,
Zoltan

----- Original Message -----
From: "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
To: "'HotelWestfalia'" <zolo@FOXINTERNET.NET>; <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, February 14, 2012 3:40 AM
Subject: RE: Erosion between valves

> The overheating explains it. The heads started to melt and castings tend
> to
> explode when overheated. Try welding castings! Gotta know what you're
> doing.
> There is a good chance that case is also toast.  Could be
> warped-twisted-cylinder seat damaged. Replace the studs as they are also
> stretched.
>
> Dennis
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> HotelWestfalia
> Sent: Monday, February 13, 2012 9:56 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Erosion between valves
>
> First time I've seen this.  Very deep erosion around the spark area.  Next
> to the valves.  Between the valves, cutting under the valve seat.  Only
> three cylinders had it.  The heads had to be junked.  Deep, sharp pitting
> like, picking like erosion.  About 5mm deep.
>
> I don't have a sure idea what caused it.  Surely it is related to ignition
> or explosion or something of that kind.
>
> This engine has overheated badly.  One of the cylinders has even melted.
>
> I wonder, if anyone has seen any of this before.  And if any of you know
> what caused it.
>
> Best to all,
> Zoltan
>
>