Date:         Tue, 19 Dec 2000 20:16:12 -0600
Reply-To:     Anthony Kimmons <akimmons@HOUSTON.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Anthony Kimmons <akimmons@HOUSTON.RR.COM>
Subject:      Heads leaking again after 2 years (?)
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This week my heads, on both sides of my 87 Vanagon GL started to leak.

About 2 years ago, I did a complete rebuild except for replacing the
heads. They were slightly
pitted, so I filled them with JBweld and hoped for the best. Everything
was thougoughly cleaned and inspected.

I believe that I did a good job on the rebuild and made no mistakes. I
had the crank ground and bought
new bearings for both crank and cam. New rings, gaskets, oil pump,
lifters, new seals all around as well as
a host of other parts.

The cold weather just hit down here (Houston, TX) and I thought that
maybe I could just torque up the heads and
stop the leak. Figured it was just the weather changing the shape of
things...No luck.

I am still experiencing the leaking and am considering new heads now.

I've been told that I should think about a new engine instead.
Anyone have any ideas on this?
What are the disadvantages to replacing the heads now and maybe getting
a new engine "next time"??

Think I could get away with this? I am really not looking forward to
pulling the engine (again...) although, I am sure
I'd be much better at it this time!

Any ideas as to what may have cause this leaking problem after just 2
years?

I am probably going with Boston Bob for the heads if I decide to do this
job...

Thanks for any ideas, you guys are the BEST!!