Date:         Mon, 9 Feb 2004 08:50:42 -0500
Reply-To:     Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ken Wilford <kenwilfy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Advice needed on 2.1 heads
Comments: To: Jim Huskins <lostranger@MINDSPRING.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <AA51A04E-5B03-11D8-A6EF-000A27AB5034@mindspring.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Jim, the complete engine gasket set actually includes more gaskets and
o-rings than the two separate kits and is cheaper.  This is the best
thing to get if you are replacing heads.  I would recommend taking both
heads to a machine shop for an inspection and pressure test.  If they
pass the pressure test and the machine shop sees that any cracks are
within limits (see Bentley) then you can have a valve job done.  Be sure
to have any pits on the head surface repaired (welded or jb welded) and
also repair any pits on the engine mating surface (jb weld).  That way
you will be assured of a good seal once everything is back together.

Hope this helps,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

Jim Huskins wrote:

> I'm about to replace the head gaskets on an '89 engine with 147k miles.
> The engine ran well when it was removed. I had no active coolant leaks,
> but both sides did seep under a pressure test about a year ago.
>
> I have two questions:
>
> 1. A complete engine gasket set is cheaper than buying two head sets.
> Does the complete set include all the items found in an individual head
> set? Is sealant included? The few dollars difference is no big deal,
> but I like having spares.
>
> 2. Would you recommend a valve job while the heads are off? It ran
> fine, but if this was any other engine, I would do a valve job as a
> prophylactic measure. WBX engines seem to break the rules in odd ways
> and places.
>
> TIA
>
> Jim Huskins
> Spruce Pine, NC
>