Gerry,

I have 71K miles on my 1.9 = rebuild.

I used heads from 2 vehicles with over = 120K miles on the odometers.

They were both pitted.

I cleaned the head mating surfaces = thoroughly, applied JB Weld to fill the pits, then carefully sanded level with = a sheet of fine sandpaper taped to a sheet of glass.

I pulled the valves and lapped them = with a Sears Craftsman tool and valve grind paste.

I am not sure this was necessary. = The valves and guides were fine.

I was impressed with the durability of = the valves and guides on my 1984 1.9.

That is all I did. JB Weld and, = a LOT of elbow grease.

I would steer clear of rebuilt/welded = heads. If yours are bad I would find some decent used heads, or buy new.

I believe Halsey Automotive in = Portland, OR, had new heads for $300 and something.

Good Luck!

Scott Maurer (Boise)

1984 Vanagon GL

1985 Isuzu Trooper

1988 Isuzu Trooper

----- Original Message -----

From: gerry = rafferty

To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM

Sent: Monday, June 05, 2000 = 12:46 PM

Subject: Pitted Heads

I am rebuilding a engine core 1.9, and both heads look OK but = both pitted.From the archives,and what I intend to do,take to a = shop,rebuild,and jb weld the pits.

Can you tell me your experience you have gone this route?

Thanks

Gerry