Date:         Tue, 6 Sep 2005 10:17:01 -0400
Reply-To:     dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <dhaynes@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: Standard Repair Times - Rings / Heads
Comments: To: Michael Edwards <medwards1@TRIAD.RR.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <006901c5b2da$1e0e1060$ee823842@michael1>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Is this a water boxer? If so the heads can be replaced with the engine in the van. The air cooled engines can not. The cylinders can also be removed to replace the rings and there is no benefit to splitting the case. The pistons also get replaced with the case together. In fact, the rods can also be replaced wit out splitting the case if one is desperate. At the point of splitting the case, you should be looking at a full overhaul, new bearings, cam, align bore, piston cylinder set, etc. Why does the engine need rings? Did one get broken when the cylinder pulled out with the head?

10 hours is typical for two heads to be replaced. 8 hours for one. I have yet to see water cooled rings wear. I've seen them melted, broken, pistons worn, etc. I think this local may be lacking experience here.

I would also replace all the head cap nuts and consider the studs. Carefully inspect for corrosion. There is nothing worse than putting the head back on and finding a stud that will not hold torque and have it snap a day or two later.

Dennis

----- Original Message -----
From: Michael Edwards <medwards1@TRIAD.RR.COM>
Date: Tuesday, September 6, 2005 7:57 am
Subject: Standard Repair Times - Rings / Heads

> I just got some quotes from my local mechanic and wanted to run
> them by the
> list for some feedback.  He looked up repair times on the
> computer, not sure
> of the source, but I know it is a common practice for mechanics to
> look up
> common tasks for quotes.  Anyway, he had to pull the heads to fix a
> corrosion and leak problem.  This job came in at 10 hours.
> Apparently,removing the heads required removing the engine.  I
> also need a new set of
> rings and he said this requires splitting the case, a 7.4 hour job.
> Obviously, now is a better time to replace the rings so I don't
> loose the
> labor already invested in pulling the engine and heads.
> However, I thought changing the rings could just be done by
> removing the
> cylinders.
> Does this sound right?  Do you really have to split the case to
> change the
> rings?
> Also, why is it necessary to remove the engine to remove the heads?
> I guess I should go ahead and put in a clutch while the engine is out.
> Anything else?
> Any feedback or references to information sources appreciated.
> Thanks,
> Mike
>