Date: Tue, 5 Oct 1999 13:35:01 -0400
Reply-To: karl <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: karl <thewestyman@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject: Re: expert advice needed
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Maybe forget that bolt for the moment, remove the pipe (or at least loosen
it) and try applying some of the exhaust pipe sealant that hardens like
cement (I use Qualco brand from my local FLAPS) around the gasket, and bolt
it all back together. It will most likely seal fine for quite some time.
I've done this succesfully on many different vehicles. The other option
might be to remove the head and have the piece welded (heliarc) on.
Karl
----- Original Message -----
From: Jay & Kim Schmidt <schmidt5@HSONLINE.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 1999 1:19 PM
Subject: expert advice needed
> All knowing list:
> What would you do with this scenareo? 84 westy exhaust replacement lead to
> an engine drop, drilling, tapping, cussing, etc and I installed a few
> stepped studs(oversize). On reassembly, the 8th and final stud broke the
pot
> metal "ear" where the stud goes into the head and appears ruined. Many
> options here:
> 1)buy a new head if replacing just one is kosher,
> 2)replace both heads with new/rebuilt,
> 3)ship the whole engine for a rebuild as it is torn down anyway and
overall
> condition unknown(but it ran well)
> 4)JB weld the hell out of the broken portion and retap to get on down the
> road quickly and inexpensively.
> 5)cut my loss and get out now and think twice before buying a decent
running
> westy needing exhaust work next time.
> I'm leaning toward 1,2,or 4 as this isnt a bus I want to replace
EVERYTHING
> on as i have with my 77. The condition just doesn't warrant it. I don't
want
> to sink more into this than it will be worth. If I rebuild the eng and the
> auto trans goes 2K later, I just can't eat the loss. I can't be roped into
> continued heavy bills just to prevent taking a loss either. At this point
I
> have MUCH time, but little money in this westy. The body will never be
> great, maybe average with work. Would it be a mistake to start pouring
major
> $ into it? If so, #1 or 4 is the way to go right?
> Some of you have probably been here. I need your hindsight. I think my
> long-speculated theory that one would be WAY ahead by spending a small
> fortune on a mint or already restored vdub(as opposed to a "deal" on a
> project) is panning out. Your advice is appreciated. Moral support gladly
> accepted also.
> Jay, 77 westy
> Kim-still driving a Buick oceanliner:(
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