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Date:         Fri, 10 Sep 1999 20:56:50 -0700
Reply-To:     Coby Smolens <cobys@WELL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Coby Smolens <cobys@WELL.COM>
Subject:      Re: vanagon Digest - 9 Sep 1999 - Special issue
Comments: To: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <199909091506.IAA13198@smtp.well.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> Date: Thu, 9 Sep 1999 00:39:54 -0700 > From: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM> > Subject: Oh No! Misthreaded exhaust bolt?! > > In the continuing adventure of changing the coolant in my '88 Westy, > because I really like the look of the blue VW coolant, I was reattaching > the splash guards over the heads ( the ones that cover the head drain > bolts) and I am afraid that I have misstheaded the exhaust bolt for the > cylinder that is above the oil filter. I managed to get the bolt about > 1/2 way in before I noticed that it was not going in straight. > > Now what do I do? Have I just destroyed my new rebuilt head? (The one on > the Westy, not mine) > > Thanks, > > Todd > '88 Westy > > > P.S. Let this be a lesson to never rush a job because it is getting dark > and raining.

You'll almost certainly have to remove the rear exhaust pipe completely. You'll probably want to get an 8 X 1.25 tap and carefully chase the threads. I think you'll be able to resurrect the hole without further disassembly, but the tap setup has to be just right - you have to be able to turn it STRAIGHT into the hole. I use a tap driver the fits on a 3/8" drive socket extension, so I can use a ratchet handle to turn the tap. A couple 1" "wobble-drive" extensions help too. These are available at most good parts stores. Wobble drive extensions are WAY better than the typical u-joint type for most things, because they allow much better control over the movement of the driven tool; they are no thicker than the extension itself so they fit in tighter spaces; they don't tend to bind on themselves the way the u-joint type do.

Anyway, get the hole fixed, then when you start reassembling the exhaust pipe onto the head, try to get both nuts and both bolts properly started before tightening anything. I have great sympathy for your position, believe me. I remember the first few of these I did - I wished that I had the engineer responsible for the benighted pipe layout there... I'll say it again: The key is, DO WHATEVER YOU HAVE TO DO TO GET THE STUFF STARTED STRAIGHT BEFORE TIGHTENING. Be creative!

Coby

Valley Wagonworks "Intimately acquainted with VW Vans since 1959"

Volkswagen Bus, Vanagon, Westfalia and Eurovan Repair and Service Specialists

1535 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94933 Voice:(415) 457-5628 Fax: (415) 457-0967 http://wagonworks.com mailto:contact@wagonworks.com


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