Date:         Fri, 17 Oct 1997 17:51:56 -0700
Reply-To:     David Bayer <bayer@SYBASE.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon mailing list <Vanagon@Gerry.SDSC.EDU>
From:         David Bayer <bayer@SYBASE.COM>
Subject:      heads

Hello-
        Well, after camping in tahoe this weekend (it was 21 degrees F or
so the weather people said), it looks like I have developed a head leak
on the right side of the van (I recently resealed the flange and had seen
a bit of rust discoloration on the head at the gasket). Pulled the push rod
protectors and low and behold the gasket had a green drip waiting on it...

        I know some of you have been down this road using many different
means to fix it...

        I know stuff like Bars Leak isn't a long term fix, but has anyone
used it? How long it last (I suppose both mileage and months would be most
helpful). I was trying to track down one of two remaining possible solutions
to swapping a TD, TDI, or gas inline 4 into the bay of my syncro - if it
wasn't for that damn starter motor, this would have been solved long ago...

        For those who have redone the heads - how much time can I expect
to spend stripping down the fuel/air system, the exhaust (which may be
developing cracks - eekkkk), etc. I don't think I can afford a set of new
heads and was hoping some could tell me how long AVP usually takes to
do their welding thing if you drop the heads off? And I remember someone
posting about a cermics shop on the Oregan border with California that coated
the surface which mates with the case... Are you still around?

        This is a syncro, the PO had had phosphate full antifreeze it in,
which I am going to grumble about now.

dave