At 7:25 PM 2/5/96, SyncroHead@aol.com wrote:
> In a message dated 96-02-05 10:40:14 EST, tjparker@pacificnet.net (Tim
> Parker) writes:
>
> >I would agree with fixing rather than waiting for the gaskets to blow.
> >Granted, not all engines are the same, but we had a 63 Buick with a V-6
> >(cast iron, not alluminum) that, when it blew a head gasket, the increased
> >pressure of coolant leaking into one of the cylinders while it was running
> >at freeway speed literally pounded a hole through a piston.  Even if that
> >didn't happen in the Vanagon, I'd be worried about the hammering of the Rod
> >bearing by this increase in pressure (if the leak is INTO the cylinder,
> >that is).
> >
> >
>
> The haed gaskets that leak coolant on a Vanagon are entirely different than
> the head gaskets on most other "normal" cars.  A "normal" head gasket (like
> on a Jetta or Eurovan) does dual duty in sealing both the combustion chambers
> and the coolant passages.  The Vanagon head gaskets that leak only do the job
> of keeping the coolant inside the engine.  Compression sealing is seperate on
> a Vanagon and not generally suspetible to leaks like the coolant gasket.
>
> Jim Davis
> 87 Syncro
> 88 Wolfsburg

I stand (except that I'm sitting)... I SIT corrected!

-Tim Parker.