Date:         Thu, 13 Jun 2002 23:22:13 -0500
Reply-To:     Dave Baker <DBAKER5@KC.RR.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dave Baker <DBAKER5@KC.RR.COM>
Subject:      Re: Water Pump O-Rings, Sealant Needed?
Comments: To: Craig Oda - Personal email <craigoda@COMMUNITYBUILDERS.INFO>
Comments: cc: Bob Weaver <mrweaver@yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Here's what my brother (who knows about these things) recommends:

>
> Do I need to change the gasket between the thermostat and the
> waterpump or can I reuse the old one?

Good idea to replace ALL gaskets and O rings.
>
> I ordered a new o-ring for the metal top tube that crosses from the
> thermostat housing to the passenger cylinder head.  Do I need to put
> some type of silicone sealant on this?

Not sure... anyone else care to comment?
>
> There are so many seals to buy.  Do I need to replace all the exhaust
> gaskets or can I reuse the old ones?

Yes.  Replace.  Don't reuse.  No sealant required.  It would burn off
anyway.

What about the fuel injectors?

Replace the seals... put a bit of lithium grease to hold them in position.

> I'm not completely confident that I'll be able to get the van running
> again (my first time with cylinder head change), so I want to
> primarily change the cylinder head gaskets first and only the
> necessary seals.  Then, after I make sure that it runs okay, do a big
> change of hoses and seals.
>
> How do I know if I have to replace my cylinder head or if I can reuse
> my old one.  I am wondering if it is warped, especially the driver's
> side with white valves on it.

Other list members have said the the wasserboxer heads seldom warp (they're
too short).  Look for small pits and channels along the gasket surface.
These have to be cleaned and filled with J B Weld, which has apparently
worked well for some list members.  The alternative is to buy a rebuilt or
new head from one of our fine list vendors.  However, if you go this route,
it may be advisable to replace both heads at the same time.

I hope my rambling thoughts draw out some of our more knowledgable and
accomplished experts to provide more authoritative answers to your
questions.

Dave in KC
85 Westy (head ready to go back on!)