Date:         Fri, 7 Apr 2023 15:10:34 -0700
Reply-To:     Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Dan N <dn92610@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: When & why replace heads?
Comments: To: David McNeely <davmcneely40@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <CACvdLxP8YAd=ZkDC3vcO7PDKSQXi04wr1LstFjBOPDGy2D8czA@mail.gmail.com>
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*"My question is what are the main reasons for replacing heads and how do
you know when you've reached that point?"*

Compression test and leak down test? - The rings and cylinder walls
may still be good but the valves and valve seats are worn...

On Fri, Apr 7, 2023 at 3:01 PM David McNeely <davmcneely40@gmail.com> wrote:

> Very ignorant here, but my feeling is leaking heads mean it's time to do
> the job.  Do you want the engine to blow up when moving at high speed (or
> any time for that matter)?
>
> On Fri, Apr 7, 2023 at 6:45 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
> >
>