Date:         Fri, 8 Sep 2000 09:01:54 -0400
Reply-To:     "Sharpe, Steven (Facilities Planning)" <SSharpe@FAC.UNC.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Sharpe, Steven (Facilities Planning)" <SSharpe@FAC.UNC.EDU>
Subject:      Head / Engine questions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I'm sure this question has been asked before.

Is there a manufacturer of better head gaskets?

 I admit I'm not familiar with the design if the WBX head, so maybe things
would be apparent if I saw one. It sounds like the major design flaw with
the WBX is in the design of the the head / block mating surface and the use
of this "fat" head gasket. Has anyone made a better mousetrap?

What is the OEM head gasket material?

Has anyone out there converted to the Evans Cooling zero pressure system.
http://www.evanscooling.com/ Does anyone know what the difference is between
their 100% "Non-Aqueous Propylene Glycol" and other Propylene Glycol
antifreezes such as Amsoil, Sierra, or Neo or even Dowfrost HD? The Evans
website talks about the possible need for a different water pump.
Antifreezes such as Amsoil, Sierra, or Neo are to be used mixed with water
and have disclaimers about using it in mixtures less than 30 or 40 percent
water. Is that because its too thick to pump in the standard water pump? Has
anyone tried to run 100% Amsoil, Sierra, or Neo in an attempt to eliminate
corrosion and a pressurized cooling system.

I've also been reading about the head heat soak problem after shutdown. Is
there anyone out there who has gone to an electric water pump that would
cool the heads after shutdown? How tricky would this be to do? How is the
mechanical water pump attached? Is the thermostat and bypass internal or
external to the engine.

Has anyone insulated their exhaust manifold to reduce heat transfer back to
the head

I would like to purchase a Vanagon sometime in the near future. I hate being
limited to the air-cooleds because of WBX concerns. I want items such as
A/C, power steering, etc