Just did mine this weekend.  Permatex, no! use the real black stuff.  Bently
manual is hard to ferret out, but most all of what you need to know is
there.  The cylinder base gaskets, I do not think can be changed with out
pulling the cylinders.  I don't think you want to do that, if it can be
avoided.  Leave the old rings is place, and keep your fingers crossed.  Most
engines do not have a problem with using the base rings over I understand.
The extra O-ring, consider your self lucky.  I have bought four engine
gasket kits over the years, and not one hase been complete.  The missing
item is defferent in each kit.  Fuel hose must be high pressure hose, not
the stuff they comonly sell in auto stores.  I bought some from a speciality
VW shop.  I cost $1.19 per foot.
-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Kovach <dearbo@EROLS.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Sunday, July 12, 1998 7:55 PM
Subject: Head gasket questions

>Volks:
>
>I'm replacing the head gaskets in my Vanagon and have a couple of
questions. The heads
>are finally off and I've put the metal sealing rings in the heads.  Where
do the thin
>green O-rings go - around the lip at the top of the cylinder? Bently isn't
clear on
>this.  The thicker black O-rings go at the base of the cylinder - can you
install them
>with out pulling the cylinder out past the piston rings? Should I replace
it anyway?
>There was 1 extra O-ring in each one of my my kits - same diameter as the
black rings
>but about 2x the thickness - I have no idea where it goes.
>
>What do you think about Permatex gasket sealing compound?
>
>I'm also going to replace the fuel hose that goes to all the injectors.
Can I get
>this at the local FLAPS or is it a special VW item?
>
>Gary
>88GL