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