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Date:         Sat, 8 Jan 2005 17:09:59 -0500
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: Question about 2.1 cylinder and head question
Comments: To: Jim Felder <felder@KNOLOGY.NET>
In-Reply-To:  <1EAC8BD3-61B2-11D9-9473-000A959B3796@knology.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Does the engine have the same 190K as the van? If so, I agree with the approach of replacing the gaskets only and you need to buy some time. Of course this depends on the health of the rest of the engine.

Normally, the cylinders in these engines never wear out, only the ring lands and of course valves, guides, bearings, and the cam shafts. Was the compression-leak down and oil pressure tested before pulling the heads?

Once you bring the heads to a shop, some money will flow. If the valves and guides are good, bead blasting or a good cleaning with those abrasive wheels will do. A product called the "Right Stuff" applied to the rubber gasket will make a good seal regardless of pitting or even some corrosion on the case. I have also found that Hylomar makes an excellent dressing for the o-ring around the cylinder and metal seals between the cylinder and head. If the heads need any real amount of work, it is time for new ones.

Dennis

-----Original Message----- From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jim Felder Sent: Saturday, January 08, 2005 3:16 PM To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM Subject: Question about 2.1 cylinder and head question

A few minutes ago I finished pulling the heads on my 2.1 in anticipation of installing new head gaskets and fuel hose.

Cylinder question: the car has 190K miles on it, and I noticed I could feel no lip inside the cylinder... none. Upon closer inspection with a light, I can still see the crosshatch from the factory. Is this normal? Unusual?

Head question: I'm not going to do anything to the heads but clean them up and stick them back on with new gaskets. They are pitted, though, and I am going the JB weld route. Should I just send the heads to a shop and have them cleaned? Do it myself? How much should I expect to pay for just a cleaning? I assume they will have to pull the springs and valves.

Thanks,

Jim


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