Fred,
First of all, if the gasket is properly coated with D-000-40-01 sealant,
there will not be anywhere for coolant to "pool".  And I'd recommend you
spend that $11.00 at the VW dealer for that specific sealant and not use the
Curil K2 in the aftermarket gasket kits.  And second, the point that I  was
trying to make is that if you are going to pull the heads, then spend the 50
bucks or so to have the heads welded.  Also, it is quite likely if the
gaskets are being replaced as a preventative measure, then probably the
heads are not pitted anyway.   I just don't know how long that JB Weld can
last under the stress of a cylinder head.  I know that it is tough stuff,
and I've used it elsewhere, but if I were going through the work of pulling
the heads, I'd do the job right.

I'd also recommend to anyone thinking about pulling heads that they remove
the engine first rather than try to do the job with the motor in the van.
I'll guarantee you that it will be easier in the long run.

Bill
-----Original Message-----
From: Fred Porter <fporter@EYRING.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Tuesday, March 31, 1998 2:38 PM
Subject: Re: J.B. Weld Head Repair (Bill Knight)

>Bill,
>
>why isn't using JB weld as a coating to prevent galvanic corrosion
>caused by pooled coolant between the gasket and the heads a good idea?
>Does it degrade the head gasket?
>
>thanks,
>Fred