Date:         Thu, 17 Dec 2009 16:49:47 -0500
Reply-To:     greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Subject:      Re: head gaskets
Comments: To: mcneely4@COX.NET
In-Reply-To:  <3732492.5309.1261082227304.JavaMail.mcneely4@127.0.0.1>
Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1

Dave, there isn't much that can be done about it.  The mix of cast iron
and aluminum parts with cold rubber gaskets leads to seasonal
repositioning and minor seepage that goes away once the engine (or the
climate around it) warms up. I would suggest you monitor the leakage and
see how it trends. Replacing the heads to resolve a leak of a few liters
per year isn't worth the trouble. At least not in my book.

If the leak is simply a minor weep during weather extremes, I'd say leave
it be, as new heads will be likely to do it again soon enough. If your
leak worsens, you should get it fixed.

If an occasional leak during extreme weather is unacceptable you should
probably consider researching a different powerplant for your van.

Greg Potts
Toronto, Ontario Canada
1987 Wolfsburg weekender
197x westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
www.pottsfamily.ca
www.busesofthecorn.com





> Well, finding the history of the rebuild might be difficult.  As I
> mentioned, the paperwork I have shows a longblock, does not show source.
> This thing only started leaking when cold weather arrived.  Some seem to
> think that is simply a chronic state with waterboxers, and they
> evidently just let it go.  I fear finding myself out in the back of
> nowhere, and the seals let go and I lose the coolant.  But from what you
> say, I might not have any better luck if I do the seals, or even if I
> get new heads.  So, what should be done with such a beast?  David