Date:         Sun, 21 Oct 2001 22:41:11 -0400
Reply-To:     Mike Collum <collum@BANGORNEWS.INFI.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Mike Collum <collum@BANGORNEWS.INFI.NET>
Subject:      Re: Just one head?
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

John,

Did you do a compression test before you removed the head?

I think all VW boxer heads develop cracks between the valve seats in normal use.  The real question is .... How badly cracked?

I recently replaced one head and resealed the other on my '84 1.9L.  Number 1 would not hold compression and I was getting combustion gas into the coolant.

I disassembled and there were (as expected) cracks between all the valve seats.  The one for #1 cylinder was a tad wider than the rest, though.  I had the heads pressure tested by a machine shop and the one for #1 cylinder was the only one that failed (again ... as expected).

I purchased a new (not rebuilt) AMC head from Van-again as I didn't want one that might have "Failed" for someone else then been welded to where it would pass a pressure test .... but might not pass the test of actual use.

After reassembly, and a few 200 mile trips, I drove the van from Houlton, Maine to Bristol, Virginia (with a side trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee) and back, averaging 70 to 75 MPH.  More than 1300 miles each way.  4 adults, 1 child, an 80LB Boxer dog and all our "Stuff".  It performed admirably .... getting better than 20 MPG.  I didn't check it close enough to determine how much better, but certainly better.  The best part .... NO OVERHEATING!  No combustion gasses into the coolant.

I used to call my '84 GL, "Cold Shoulder" .... 'cause it usually had me on the shoulder ... out in the cold.

Since the Virginia trip I've been calling him "Mongo".  Mongo strong now.   Mongo impressed!

Mike
'84 GL "Mongo"
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: John Houser 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2001 5:37 PM
  Subject: Just one head?


  Volks, 

  I have a 1984 Westy that I have been working on for almost a year.  When I finally got the engine to quit bucking and stalling, It ran ok for about a week but then started getting exhaust gasses in the coolant and would try to overheat.  I took the passenger side cylinder head off and found a crack that ran from the exhaust valve seat to the intake valve seat on one of the cylinders.  I think that this is the source of my problem.  This head was a replacement head and had no pitting under the outer gasket.   

  I have three questions: 

        1.  Can an auto machine shop weld up this crack and I reinstall the head. 

        2.  If  I have to get a rebuilt head, can I replace only one head or must cylinder           
             heads be replaced in pairs. 

        3.  Does anyone have any experinece with rebuilt cylinderheads from Bus Depot. 


  Thanks in advance and If anyone has any relevant cylinderhead wisdom that they would like impart--please feel free. 


  John Houser, Jr. 
  Perry, Ga. 

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