Many have had good "luck" filling in pitting with JB weld, making new or rebuilt
heads unnecessary.

I hang my head in shame that I have not yet finished the head leak survey
results...but I promise that I will this week now that Ian is back from his
latest adventure.  This should tell us whether you need luck or JB weld to avoid
buying new heads.
steve

The Bus Depot wrote:

> > New heads would cost about another $1200...
>
> > Ouch.  I didn't think they were that expensive, I thought you
> > could get them for $300 a piece.
>
> Actually they're not quite that expensive.  I list brand new 2.1L heads for
> $399 each, or rebuilt 1.9's or 2.1's for $219 each plus $80 core. The new
> heads are made by AMC/Spain (who, incidentally, is now the supplier of new
> 2.1L heads to Volkswagen Of America, so if you order new heads from the
> Dealer you get the same AMC heads).  The rebuilt heads are AVP, and have new
> metal welded to the surface and machined back to spec. Complete German
> engine gasket kits (including everything for both heads plus bottom-end
> gaskets and the sealant) are $129.
>
> That said, you may not need to automatically replace heads when doing a head
> gasket job.  You can take a look at the pitting and decide from there.  If
> the pits are small and do not extend across the surface of the head, you
> have a good chance of being able to re-use the heads.  I have taken this
> chance a number of times on various Vanagons where the pitting was not
> severe, and have had good luck every single time.  But of course the stakes
> are high; if they do leak, you'll have to get the job done all over again.
>
> Do you feel lucky?  :-)
>
> - Ron Salmon
>  The Bus Depot
>  http://www.busdepot.com
>  (215) 234-VWVW