It depends on the design of the head. Some heads will have a step that does
not use a gasket. There are heads that use a different thickness gasket. AMC
now has heads for the air cooled. Where you gaskets burned out? If so you
need to look at the case. Gasket failures on these are the same as with the
water boxers without the liquid issues. But there are two more events that
can happen here. With the heads loose the cylinder barrels will move and
pound out the case. Then to make things worse the center bearing web of the
case comes loose the case halves shuffle wearing out the center web. Now
when the case is tightened the cylinder spigots get pulled down and the
cylinders are no longer parallel. As such the cylinder tops will not be in
line to seal with the heads.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
David Parsons
Sent: Friday, March 27, 2015 7:23 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Air cooled head gasket

So I've got my heads off to do a top end rebuild on my 81 2.0 air cooled.
What's the general consensus on using the jug/head gasket/crush washer? Or
just lap the jug into the head? They are at the machine shop getting a look
at. Which way should I go? I've read Bently and have gotten mixed results
from everyone!

Sent from my iPhone