Date:         Sun, 22 Jul 2007 21:37:56 -0400
Reply-To:     Pascal Giasson <pascal.giasson@GNB.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Pascal Giasson <pascal.giasson@GNB.CA>
Subject:      Re: scratch on heads mating surface for cylinders
Comments: To: donalds1@VERIZON.NET

No i'm not feeling lucky at all ;o(
Funny thing is all I had was a very small coolant leak that was only
noticible in winter storage when it would leave a small puddle under one
head.  The motor ran strong other than that.  We were planning on going to
Mexico for Frank's daughter's wedding so I wanted to make sure everything
was in top shape so I decided to fix the leak.  Before I took it appart I
did a compression test (#1:160, #2:170, #3:160, #4:175) and a leakdown test
(#1:92.5%, #2:93.75%, #3:82.5%, #4 86.25%) which were respectable figures.
When I checked the rigns for wear, the top rings on two pistons were past
their wear limits.  So I bought new rings, had the cylinders deglazed.  I
took the heads in to have them looked at a machine shop and they said they
needed a valve job, so I had that done.  Then, when I was cleaning I
noticed the scratches on the mating surface. Today I looked at the old
metal gaskets and I could see where the scratches had left a discolouration
on the old gaskets...so they were there before I took the motor
apart...presumably from the last head gasket job.  Thanks for all the
advice guys, I realy appreciate it.