Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 22:18:52 -0400
Reply-To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Replacing the Head Gaskets (Maybe the Head)?
In-Reply-To: <00ef01cf4c60$1f773070$5e659150$@gmail.com>
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A full engine rebuild may not be necessary. I gave some diagnostic tips and
what could be lurking. As you noted a full rebuild may not be the value
thought. With good diagnostics, it may be possible to repair just what is
needed and move on. I regularly repair engines that have failures like this
including replacing a single piston and or cylinder. I have a number of used
ones here. Measure and weight to match up the set and move on. I've also
replaced single heads.
While there are those times that a part just fails most times engine
failures are the result of a support system failure. Either now or in the
past. Cracked heads are one of those symptoms.
Dennis
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Stuart MacMillan
Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2014 5:37 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Replacing the Head Gaskets (Maybe the Head)?
Ouch! There is no fix other than a complete rebuild for this engine, as
Dennis indicated.
Time for a decision on what engine you want, whatever you do is going to be
expensive. The problem you face is that a rebuilt WBX may last about the
same 65k this one did. From what I've seen on this list over the years
rebuilds have nowhere near the longevity of the OEM engines, and that has a
lot to do with the quality of the rebuild, including the parts that go into
it. For interesting reading, check out what Go Westy does to their
rebuilds: http://www.gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=813
Good luck!
Stuart
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Paul Smith
Sent: Sunday, March 30, 2014 1:31 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Replacing the Head Gaskets (Maybe the Head)?
Yesterday I started the van (89 Westy GL, 2.1, manual transmission) let it
run a moment or two as everyone buckled in and got about 20 feet down the
road when I noticed billowing white smoke/steam around the back window.
Reversed back into my parking spot, jumped out to see that it was coming out
of the tailpipe and shut the van down. Altogether the engine ran for maybe 3
minutes. We used the other car to run the needed errands, but got back too
late to look into the van any further. This morning I opened the engine lid,
checked coolant levels and the oil for evidence of coolant. All appeared
normal, but it had all night to cool down. I decided to try a quick startup
and get a better look and sniff of the steam. The starter engaged solidly
but the engine did not turn (or turned a very small bit then locked). I shut
off immediately and pulled all 4 plugs and manually turned the crank, which
did turn easily. About 1/3 cup or so of coolant was pushed out of the spark
plug hole of the passenger side front cylinder (that plug was dark and wet
when pulled). Liquid won't compress, so the engine didn't turn.
I'm assuming best case is leaking head gasket(s), sucking coolant in on the
intake stroke to cause the smoke/steam and then sucking the 1/3 cup in as
the engine cooled overnight. Next worst case is cracked head. Most worst
case is any further damage.
I have two basic questions:
- Do my assumptions seem correct (blown head gasket, etc.)?
- How hard is it to replace the head gaskets on the passenger side?
The engine is a rebuild (from Boston Engine according to the paperwork) with
about 65,000 miles on it. I've replaced brake lines, power steering lines,
water pump plus normal maintenance work, have metric sockets and
wrenches,torque wench, dremel. I think I might need a small torch for the
exhaust nuts and bolts. I have the Bentley manual. I have some mechanical
experience, but the last time I had the head off an engine was about 30
years ago on an air cooled parallel twin motorcycle (easy to work on). In
addition to the gasket set I plan on getting an exhaust fastener/gasket set
- any other items I should do (maybe replace the coolant hoses)? Any advice
on special tools or gotchas to watch for? I'm in South Carolina and the only
two vanagon mechanics within 100 miles retired awhile ago.
Thanks,
Paul
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