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Date:         Sat, 5 Oct 2002 05:49:39 -0600
Reply-To:     s_j_wacker@JUNO.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         s_j_wacker@JUNO.COM
Subject:      New heads
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I have completed the head change on my 90 Carat. The van has 176k miles and the heads have been leaking for about 10k miles. Haven't driven the van since July of 01. A couple of weekend ago my brother, his son and I pulled the old heads and installed new ones. The heads that were pulled appeared to be in very good condition with very tiny cracks between the valve seats, which according to the Bentley does not affect the performance or life of the heads. I an going to have these head checked by a professional and if okay, have them cleaned and reconditioned for use on one of our other vans (we have five Syncros and the Carat in the family).

When we pulled the first head, we inadvertently pulled one of the cylinder sleeves out too far and in trying to put it back we broke one of the rings. I ordered a set from Ken at VanAgain and we installed them the next weekend. We did not want to pull the pistons, so we used the method suggested by many list members. We installed the new rings and then using a large hose clamp to compress the rings, we carefully reinstalled the cylinder sleeve. We could not believe how quick and smooth the job went.

So now after more than a year the Carat is back on the road and running great. I bought this van new in 1990 and this is the first time I have worked on the engine. I have NEVER changed the distributor cap and rotor or the fuel injectors, in fact I have done very little to this van except change the synthic oil every 50,000 miles and the spark plugs about every 20,000 miles. The coolant was changed once in 92 and never again since until this head change. I have driven this vehicle hard for 11 years and 176,000 miles with very little maintenance and it has served me well, I don't believe it owes me anything. I use the lowest octane gas at Sam's or Costco or wherever when they are not available.

I have to leave the active list now, as there is just too much traffic, but I will remain on the Syncro list.

Thanks to all for your help and support.

Steve & Jo Ann Wacker Grand Junction, Co. 90 Carat 86 Syncro 01 Subaru Outback


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