Date: Sun, 20 Dec 2015 12:07:36 -0800
Reply-To: Alistair Bel <albell@SHAW.CA>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Alistair Bel <albell@SHAW.CA>
Subject: Re: Dreaded water jacket head gasket leak strikes
In-Reply-To: <1310248657.6394547.1450639958706.JavaMail.zimbra@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
I pulled the cylinders and put in the new o rings ( I had the gasket set). Then I had the fun of compressing rings etc.
Alistair
> On Dec 20, 2015, at 11:32 AM, J Stewart <fonman4277@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> I had the same, one sleeve was really stuck to the head, and pulled out about an inch. Several folks told me when that happens you MUST replace the black O ring at it's base. Others said don't bother. Problem was, both these opinions came from respected sources! Supposedly it is possible to replace that O ring without pulling the sleeve off the piston, but I'll be damned if I could figure out how to do it. I chose not to replace the O ring, and had no problems-again, only in 5,000 miles.
>
> Oh, one other thing. I had a dickens of a time getting the head off the cylinders on one side. It was really stuck and I think I ended up pulling the cylinders from that side.
>
> Alistair
>
>
>
> > On Dec 20, 2015, at 10:20 AM, Alistair Bel <albell@SHAW.CA> wrote:
> >
> > I did a quick and dirty head job a couple of years ago. Before I did it I tried the Subie stop leak and it did help a bit.
> >
> > I had a couple of spare used heads and I think I swapped in one when I found a crack between the valves on June of the heads I took off.
> >
> > There was some pitting on the heads and I filled that with jb weld. I used "Right Stuff" sealant on the big rubber seal. Seems to have worked out well, no leaks after two years. I was supposed to be putting in a different engine and this was just a fix until then. Still haven't put in a new engine.
> >
> > Anyway, pics of the jb weld part here
> >
> > https://shufti.wordpress.com/2013/05/21/vanagon-quick-and-dirty-head-reconditioning/
> >
> >
> > Alistair
> >
> >
> >> On Dec 20, 2015, at 9:54 AM, J Stewart <fonman4277@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
> >>
> >> I had no luck with the Suby conditioner, but then my gasket was torn. I also paid a lot less than the $30.00 this Amazon ad claims is the list price, as I recall at the local Subaru dealer it was $2.50 a bottle. The FIRST head gasket replacement on mine lasted 300 miles-yes, I said the first. I was not happy that at 300 miles I developed another leak, this time around one of the head nuts. I was told by a couple of respected VW gurus that re-using a head may not work, as cracks can happen around the head stud passages. I purchased a "used" head from Go Westy for $350.00. They said it was used with very low mileage but it sure looked brand new to me. The second head gasket/head replacement went a LOT faster than the first one, lol. That repair lasted at least 5K miles. I say at least because I then sold the van. As far as I know it is still going strong. Jeff
> >>
> >> ----- Original Message -----
> >>
> >>> for now you may try this Subaru coolant conditioner
> >>
> >>> http://www.amazon.com/Subaru-SOA635071-Coolant-System-Conditioner/dp/B00IGZP2UE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450574144&sr=8-1&keywords=subaru+coolant+conditioner
> >>
> >>> it's working well on my son's Jeep.. loss of coolant but no leak (internal
> >>> leak)
>
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