Date:         Fri, 7 Apr 2023 11:48:30 -0400
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: When & why replace heads?
Comments: To: Spencer Allen <soxndubs1951@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CAHtOfz9PdoRqHzSVsVRxVKomPdHTqSQ8NmPryrYvh9MCwotN_w@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hi Spenser,

F
Is this the original engine?
How many total miles on it.

Did anyone yet take a camera and look at cylinder walls? 
How is oil consumption 
How is compression? 

This might help folks let you know best thoughts 

Also this info would let you know if another season before work is likely ok. 

My very uneducated thoughts are 
You have been very lucky to get this far like this.  If the head gaskets are failing on the outside, I suspect only a short time before failing on the inside. 
This would be a good winter job if you can get through another season. 

Likely heads will need replacing, but as a winter project you could have taken them off for inspection before purchase of the new ones. 

I look forward to other’s thoughts and more info from you as you work through this.

Eric Caron 
85 
And 84 Westfalia.




> On Apr 7, 2023, at 9:45 AM, Spencer Allen <soxndubs1951@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
> 
> I had my 85 stock westy inspected and some brake work done and the mechanic
> says I should replace the leaking heads. I may have jumped the gun and
> ordered the GW super duper ($$$) reworked AMC heads. The thing is my OE
> heads have been leaking for the last 20 years and 60K I've owned it. The
> major leaking occurs during the winters while it's stored in my garage so
> when spring comes I have to top up the fill tank with about a qt of
> coolant. Summer it does drip but nothing major. Engine runs fine with no
> white exhaust smoke. My question is what are the main reasons for replacing
> heads and how do you know when you've reached that point?
> Spencer