One thing nice about pulling the engine out is that if your water jacket
needs welding/machining or if your water pump mating surface on the
block needs welding/machining; you can easily get it done with the
engine out.  (maybe not the water pump...)  One thing about not getting
it done if it needs it at the time of head gasket replacement is thta
you can be assured that the new gaskets WILL NOT LAST AS LONG as if you
had the work done.  But then that's what i did the first time I replaced
my gaskets.  I did both sides with the engine in and hey, it wasn't that
bad.  Patinece!  the right tools.  And Patience.  Like my Dad said way
back when I was a wee boy workin' on my first motorcycle.  "never force
anything, let the tool do the work".  Good luck!!!

> ----------
> From:         John Anderson[SMTP:vwbus@MINDSPRING.COM]
> Reply To:     John Anderson
> Sent:         Monday, April 06, 1998 8:53 PM
> To:   Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
> Subject:      Re: Can I do my own head gasket replacement?
>
> Sure, you're looking at a good 2 days the first time in and out, just
> be
> careful, clean, and meticulous.  The vanagon engine comes out
> physically
> easily (I would NOT do them in the car) but is a real bear in the fact
> you
> got all those damn hoses, wires, exhaust parts...  Still 2 good full
> days
> and a nice floor jack and all the parts.  Ron had a great deal on full
> gasket kits (Elring) containing 2 head sets BTW for $99.  Be ready to
> fix
> anything exhaust related, and presuppose new fuel lines if you
> haven't.
> Manifold tubes, water pump, and anything else marginal at this point
> as
> well.
>
> John
> vwbus@mindspring.com
>