Date:         Sun, 15 Aug 1999 15:31:24 -0500
Reply-To:     Jay & Kim Schmidt <schmidt5@HSONLINE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jay & Kim Schmidt <schmidt5@HSONLINE.NET>
Subject:      Re: newbster
Comments: To: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@worldnet.att.net>
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

    
    
    Just curious; why are you replacing the head studs in the first place?
    
    Fair question I'd say!  The short answer is "I don't live in California."  That is to say I live with the nasty four-letter word here in the rustbelt. Some of the 6-point nuts have erroded into NO-points and are one-in-the-same as the threadless stud.  Also, the PO appanently tried to get a couple off and broke them leaving me with studs that dont even pass thru the exhaust flange--much less having any exposed thread to put a nut on. My *plan* is to back the studs out with a small pipewrench if possible, but you know how plans can foul.  I'd say this exhaust bit is one of the reasons I picked up a running,decent 84 westy/7 passenger for a song. These studs will be a booger! My whole neighborhood will smell like liquid wrench soon! 
    Jay
            Vanagon newbie here. My 84 exhaust replacement(NO local shop would touch) will involve replacing the head studs. The real bear is removing the old crusty exhaust and breaking/drilling/tapping etc to prep the heads for new studs. Here are my Q's:
        1. Do the heads some off and out with the engine IN? I could do a great job if I had the heads on the bench! I'll probably botch something if I drill the heads while in the bus. I almost think it'd be worth dropping the whole motor if the heads alone dont come. I've done the drop on my 77 a couple times...looks~ similar. Opinions?
        2. Where can I order stainless studs and hardware from? Stud size?(if oversize not neccessary)
        3. I am just beginning to learn/read about head and head gasket woes on these beasts. Would it be recommended to replace the heads and/or gaskets if I pull them? (even with unknown bottom-end mileage/wear?)
        Thanks to all! I just got my first H20 van last week and I'll be much more *take* than *give* while I learn. Please bear with me. I'm excited to have my new exhaust (from BD) and have sprayed it with BBQ paint to hopefully avoid instarust! I hope to do this right! 
        Jay
        schmidt5@hsonline.net
        ...The bus came by and I got on. That's when it all began...

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