Date:         Mon, 7 Apr 2008 08:52:08 -0400
Reply-To:     Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 1985 Vanagon - small job getting bigger - please advise as to
              rings, valves, etc.
Comments: To: word_aag@COMCAST.NET
In-Reply-To:  <009301c8985f$db701550$6601a8c0@WordHomePC>
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

At some point you need to decide what level or repair and reliability you
want or need. How was the engine running before the failure. Oil pressure,
compression, leakdown, etc. Be happy it was not a lower stud that brake as
that includes filling the crankcase with coolant.

If the other side of the engine is tight wiht now known issues, I would
consider just the one side.
The first question really is can you get the remains of the broken stud out?
If it has to be drilled, you really will be looking at a full rebuild. It is
extremely difiicult to drill those out with a hand drill and the engine in
place. Then there is all that debris getting into the works.

Thne the next step is determoning cuase of failure. Either heat or
corroision or pre-load issues indicate changing the full set. Always replace
the cap nuts.

Piston rings really do not wear. They loose tension, break, get stuck etc.
What does wear is the ring lands on the pistons. Considering the high
mileage, if repalcing the rings, think carefully about honing the cylinders.
Piston slap can be real annoying. BTDT. Even without honing, the new rings
will seat. It will just take some time. Otherwise you are looking at a set
of cylinders. Now that will put you at doing both sides.

Dennis




>From: AAG - Larry Word <word_aag@COMCAST.NET>
>Reply-To: AAG - Larry Word <word_aag@COMCAST.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: 1985 Vanagon - small job getting bigger - please advise as to
>         rings, valves, etc.
>Date: Sun, 6 Apr 2008 23:31:24 -0400
>
>My daily driver broke a top stud (2nd from front, left side, looking down
>at engine at rear of van) and that created bad water leak at stud.
>
>Local VW shop says "stud breakage rare w/ 85 water Vanagon engines" and he
>thinks "OK to replace only one stud" and continue down the road.....
>
>I'm thinking.....$75 for 1/2 gasket set already, why not complete BOTH
>sides, replace ALL STUDS (there is visible rust on 50% - engine has MANY
>MILES), both head gaskets, etc.  But that got me into this logic:  remove
>cylinder jugs, re-ring the pistons, reseal the jugs, etc.
>
>Why stop there.....pouring gas into the intake/exhaust shows my valued are
>holding seal (is that OK check?) so perhaps I'll just "lap the values"
>myself, replace the head gaskets, etc. after doing the re-ring job and I'll
>be good to go!
>
>Pls. fine tune my logic here - where do I stop.  The gasket set is about
>same cost for both sides as one, the rings ?>>>, the lapping process I can
>handle, so why not?
>
>Pls. advise - what would you do in my case?   Lots of miles on a junkyard
>motor I put in 8 years ago so I've been lucky - due time for some renewal
>of parts, correct?
>
>PS.  How is the re-ringing process handled?  Who best to purchase these
>rings?  Micing (measurement) process?  Etc.
>
>Thanks for advance info. on this work....
>
>Have a good day!
>
>Larry Word
>Ga.