Date:         Sun, 15 Aug 1999 23:35:33 -0400
Reply-To:     John Lauterbach <jhlauterbach@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Lauterbach <jhlauterbach@EMAIL.MSN.COM>
Organization: Microsoft Corporation
Subject:      Re: newbster
Comments: To: Jay & Kim Schmidt <schmidt5@HSONLINE.NET>
Content-Type: multipart/alternative;

Earlier this year, I had my local mechanic replace my exhaust system with parts I bought from Ken Wilford (Van-Again).  Any competent mechanic should be able to do the job.  Remove old studs, carefully drill out the remains if necessary.  Then insert helicoils, new studs and your off.

John in Middle GA
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jay & Kim Schmidt 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Sunday, August 15, 1999 12:01 PM
  Subject: newbster


  Hi all,
      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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