Date: Mon, 17 Apr 2006 00:50:37 -0400
Reply-To: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mike Collum <collum@VERIZON.NET>
Subject: Re: What damage to expect when waterpump blows?
In-Reply-To: <44430EF3.1000400@verizon.net>
Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
Under normal circumstances, the wasserboxer heads shouldn't crack to the
point that problems are encountered. However ....
The way I cracked the head on my '84 is ... a small coolant hose burst
at freeway speed resulting in a rapid loss of coolant and subsequent
overheating. I made a roadside repair to the hose problem and thought I
had waited enough time for the engine to cool. When I started adding
fresh water I heard a sharp "TING" and thought, "Oh NO" ... I hope
that's not what I think it is. As it turned out ... it was. I had
cracked the head by adding cool water to an engine that was still too hot.
As to waterpumps, I've had them fail (without making any noise) by
loosing coolant past the seal. If one is traveling and doesn't notice
the coolant loss until it's too late ... overheating can result. Should
one then add coolant ... and the engine is hot ... it is certainly
possible that the telltale "Ting" might be heard.
Mike
'84 GL 7 pass
'85 GL Westy
-------------------- wrote:
> Benn,
> Try looking very close at all those heads right between the
> valves. I
> bet you find at least a few that are cracked. I've just done 3 engines,
> and all had cracks. Even the AMC heads. Please note the bentley
> states that cracks here are still useable if small enough.
> Joe.
>
>
>
> Benny boy wrote:
>
>> Mmmmmmmmmm.... water pump don't blow! i have change over 20 water pumps
>> last year. pump will tell your they are going away (VERY noisy)...way
>> before
>> they do! Anyway, if the pump was that bad, it can damage the core/case
>> mating surface (on 2.1 also, NO DIFFERENCE between both engine and
>> it's not
>> a dificult job at all!!!!!!!), still, overheating is not cause by the
>> pump
>> unless the belt is broken (and if broken, the ALT light will come ON), i
>> have seen many noisy pump with (afterward) dammage case and the engine
>> was
>> still in normal operating temp. and please, DON'T put JB weld over
>> there!!!!!!!!! VERY STUPID!
>>
>> Wasser engine can take a lot of beating, and head don't crack so
>> easily, and
>> hey! after oppening more than 60 wasser, i HAVE NEVER SEEN A CRACKED
>> head!!!!
>>
>> Tose are very solid engine, they just leak a bit, like any other VW...
>>
>> Still, if the engine is cooked... it won't turn over easily, if it turn
>> nicely, it's still good.
>>
>> I see you guys talking about craked heads! please, show me one! me, i can
>> show you 30 heads in my shop, none have cracks! yes, they have pitted
>> surface, dead valve seat, burned valve, dammage combustion chamber....
>> but
>> NO Crack... bad sealing (including head gasket)will cause many
>> problems...
>> not to say all problems
>>
>> I have received very leaky, dammage and low compression engine at my
>> shop...
>> and for most of them, a very good and professional sealing was THE
>> solution.
>> Some of those engine had a compression as low as 50 psi... WITHOUT
>> changing
>> any pistons or even rings, just by doing a very good head rebuilt/sealing
>> they came back to life with 160psi.
>>
>> Yea....
>> (if you don't know what you are talking about... don't write!)
>> Ben (who did 5 engine in 1 month... and yes! i'm still The Corruptor)
>> http://www.benplace.com/amc_head/amc9.jpg (yeas, i know, it's an AMC head
>> picture... kinf of funny)
>>
>>
>> -------------------------------------------------------------------
>> WaterHi
>>
>> I am looking for another car than the blue one.
>>
>> Have one on hand, but seller says that waterpump went a month ago, and
>> the
>> engine got warm.
>>
>> What damage should I expect, and what should I look for (now I know
>> where to
>> look for rust...............)
>>
>> Happy greetings
>>
>> Jens Jakob
>>
>>
>>
>
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