errrr..this conflicts with the advice given on sure Tests for the Cooling System TEST #2 DO'S & DON'TS FOR head REMOVAL WORDS TO THE WISE PARTS NEEDED TO REASSEMBLE PARTS # list PARTS: HARDWARE TIME TO REASSEMBLE PUSH RODS BLEEDING THE COOliNG SYSTEM THE LAST DETAILS TOOLS NEEDED FOR head REPLACEMENT FINAL NOTES
So you're thinking its time to replace the heads on your water boxer, and you're asking yourself if you can do a job like this. Can this be done on the ground without a lift? I will try to help you answer these questions. First, lets go over the most common reasons to remove the cylinder heads. Make sure to be clear about what's leaking before you begin the job. It can be oil or coolant that's dripping from the heads. Washing the engine is very helpful when looking for leaks. If the push rod tubes are leaking or if a lifter has collapsed, you can use an expanding push rod tube, which is available at the dealer for $50 each, or in the aftermarket for about half of that.
The most common coolant leak is from a cracking or splitting rubber outer coolant gasket at the head.
Often this will be accompanied by a corrosive reaction where the rubber gasket contacts the head. Unfortunately, there is no easy way out of this repair.
The heads must be removed to replace these gaskets, and at this time a close inspection of the heads will indicate the extent of corrosion. A corroded head will not make the best possible seal with the gasket.
Another reason the heads may need to be removed is pressure build up in the cooling system.
This is do to the head gasket at the top of the cylinder leaking compression when the engine is cold. TEST #1: Pressure Tests for the Cooling System The first test of the cooling system is done when the engine is cold. A cooling system pressure tester can be installed in place of the radiator cap. Pressure in the cooling system and hot coolant are not something to be treated lightly. Use caution, and never remove the radiator cap from a engine that has been run even for even a short time. After installing the gauge, pump it up to 10 pounds. Look around for leaks if the gauge shows any pressure loss.
Common trouble spots include heads, hoses, water pump and rear heater core. If you smell something sweet when you turn the heater fans on, it may be a coolant leak at one of the heater cores, or simply the O-ring at the rear heater valve leaking. Because there is often more then one leak in the system, it is necessary to continue pressure testing until the system holds pressure.
TEST #2
Start the engine cold with no pressure indicated on the gauge. The pressure in the cooling system builds to aprox 7 lbs at normal running temps looking around for leaks. But if the pressure builds quickly to around 15 lbs the pressure is coming from one of the cylinders
from 'boston engines' ...???
Steve
--- Rico Sapolich <JKrevnov@AOL.COM> wrote: > In a message dated 3/14/00 11:52:23 PM, > sdelasal@YAHOO.COM writes: > > << I've asked for a cooling system pressure check on > a water cooled van that > I'm considering to see if there's > > any evidence of leaking cylinder heads - is this a > good idea?, What is a > reasonable pressure to expect? > > any better ideas? >> > > Steve: > Damn good idea! It can expose a myriad of sins. 15 > psi is called for. I > would check it cold AND after it has reached > operating temperature. I have > seen hydronic systems test out good cold then, once > up to operating > temperature, it is time to get out the umbrellas. > Although, Vanagons > sometimes seem to show their weaknesses more after > they cool down. > Rich > __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Talk to your friends online with Yahoo! Messenger. http://im.yahoo.com |
Please note - During the past 17 years of operation, several gigabytes of
Vanagon mail messages have been archived. Searching the entire collection
will take up to five minutes to complete. Please be patient!
Return to the archives @ gerry.vanagon.com
The vanagon mailing list archives are copyright (c) 1994-2011, and may not be reproduced without the express written permission of the list administrators. Posting messages to this mailing list grants a license to the mailing list administrators to reproduce the message in a compilation, either printed or electronic. All compilations will be not-for-profit, with any excess proceeds going to the Vanagon mailing list.
Any profits from list compilations go exclusively towards the management and operation of the Vanagon mailing list and vanagon mailing list web site.