Karl, I've had the heads off my 85 Westy a few times, for gasket replacements. I have not taken the pistons and cylinders off yet as the compressions were all ok. It is a much bigger job once you decide to remove the cylinders. Be sure you need too!! J.R. Beckham 85 Westy 267,000 91 GL 160,000 Narragansett RI -----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Karl Wolz Sent: Thursday, February 22, 2001 2:24 AM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Heads are off; now what? Great knowledgeable ones on the list: The heads are off, and I think I want to replace the rings. Unlike my normal way of doing things, I'm asking this BEFORE I dig any deeper. I have a few questions: 1) Once I pull the pistons and sleeves, how the heck do I get them back together? I looked at Bently, and it indicates I need some specialized tools to attach the circlips through a small hole in the side of the water jacket (if I'm reading this correctly). Looks like a major PITA.I know I can install the pistons through the BACK (internal) side of the sleeves by using hose clamps as ring compressors, but I recall reading posts indicating that this isn't exactly a piece of cake either. 2) German or Brazilian rings? I've heard good and bad on both. 3) Once I get the cylinders off, Is there an easy way to check the rod bearings? BTW, this is an '85 Westy with a 1.9l engine and the budget is currently relatively tight. Thanks all, Karl Wolz |
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