

Am I a complete idiot? yes, definitely, reaaaally stupid 11% [ 8 ] well... a little.. 18% [ 13 ] turn back now!!! 2% [ 2 ] Hell no! Keep it going!! Keep living your dream!! 68% [ 49 ] Total Votes : 72



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AdventuringArt







Joined: July 23, 2013

Posts: 105

Location: Everywhere

Samba MemberJoined: July 23, 2013Posts: 105Location: Everywhere

Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2013 3:22 pm Post subject: VW 88 Vanagon GL - Replacing Head Gasket in Parking Lot!





I did the paint job with automotive spray paint and plan to clear coat it

I am www.adventuringart.com! I got a Vanagon out of the trash in Fort Bragg California and I've been living out of it every since, repairing it as I go! I need help! I know nothing, but plan to learn it all the hard way. I've got a couple of tool sets, 2x 2ton jack lifts, an auto store nearby, and the internet. I have very little money at this point but I've already got the gasket kit. There are other cooling issues to replace on this post but I will be documenting the repair of the Adventuring Art Van. Any assistance you all may have would be amazing! I've got the Haynes Manual and the internet to help me. I simply cannot afford to have this fixed by a professional and I have very little time to fix it on my own outside of a hotel in the parking lot. If there are VW lovers out there that want to see this baby continue on the road living the Vanagon dream with an artist and a cat, I'd gladly accept any donations! http://adventuringart.com/contact-2/ haha Thanks everyone!I did the paint job with automotive spray paint and plan to clear coat it

AdventuringArt







Joined: July 23, 2013

Posts: 105

Location: Everywhere

Samba MemberJoined: July 23, 2013Posts: 105Location: Everywhere

Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2013 6:22 pm Post subject: Day 1



Motels do not allow customers to do automobile work so I am in hiding and wrapping up each day as if it never happened, taking it off the jack stands, ect. :-/



Prepping the rig with tools, sweet burlap, and parts:





Many holes, no bolts:





Connections labelled, bolts sprayed with penetrating oil:

Today I got inside!! I spread my tools out in an orderly manner on some sweet burlap donated by "Dynamite Roasting Company" out of North Carolina. I made sure to get baggies and tape to label all of my bolts and connections! I put the vanagon on jack lifts and sprayed down every bolt I could find. I especially soaked down the exhaust bolts as I've read, they suck. I disconnected the battery, and labelled all of my electric connection wires, so not to confuse them later, as I disconnected them. Seeing as this is an emergency operation in a parking lot, I won't be doing an entire overhaul, in fact I'll only be changing out the gaskets and seals on the driver's side. Now that everything is soaking I am noticing many places where bolts should be but aren't, and hoses that aren't exactly secure. Jeeze... Most of my electrical wires look fine but I'll be cleaning and taping them nicely. The liquid wrench I've sprayed also helps to clean it so I'l wiping things clean, as you may notice, there is black stuff EVERYWHERE as one of my axels came lose a while back and exposed my bearings and slapped grease all over.Motels do not allow customers to do automobile work so I am in hiding and wrapping up each day as if it never happened, taking it off the jack stands, ect. :-/Prepping the rig with tools, sweet burlap, and parts:Many holes, no bolts:Connections labelled, bolts sprayed with penetrating oil:

TequilaSunSet







Joined: May 30, 2012

Posts: 2089

Location: Cali Cali

Samba MemberJoined: May 30, 2012Posts: 2089Location: Cali Cali

Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2013 6:55 pm Post subject:

_________________

"Krusty" Satin White - 85 AUTO w/ 3.27 R&P Vanagon HIGH Top w/ Westy Camper bits, 1.8t

2014 Lancer AWC

2007 Tango (Home) Living small



Don't harsh my mellow... Brave dude... good luck with the adventures, Art on brother..._________________Satin White - 85 AUTO w/ 3.27 R&P Vanagonw/ Westy Camper bits, 1.8t2014 Lancer AWC2007 Tango (Home) Living small

Gruppe B







Joined: January 16, 2007

Posts: 1326



Samba MemberJoined: January 16, 2007Posts: 1326

Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2013 7:15 pm Post subject: http://www.benplace.com/pistons_heads_video.htm



If you haven't found this already, this webpage explains the entire process.



One of the best technical webpagess for Vanagons anywhere



Remember that the job is only a bunch of little steps, tackle one at a time and you will get there.



Good luck man and keep posting your progress!

Cheers

Gruppe B If you haven't found this already, this webpage explains the entire process.One of the best technical webpagess for Vanagons anywhereRemember that the job is only a bunch of little steps, tackle one at a time and you will get there.Good luck man and keep posting your progress!CheersGruppe B

AdventuringArt







Joined: July 23, 2013

Posts: 105

Location: Everywhere

Samba MemberJoined: July 23, 2013Posts: 105Location: Everywhere

Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2013 7:39 pm Post subject: :) Awesome! Thanks for the support!! I'm in Greenville or something, CO. just southeast of Denver. I've watched quite a few people do it on youtube ect. I've been following: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?6028845-Vanagon-head-gasket-replacement since he is doing the same thing with the engine in the van, and taking my steps slowly with the manual. I am not doing both sides though so I assume I cannot change the piston O-rings? Also, nobody mentions timing. Obviously the manual does because it's going over all of the overhaul process, but is this something I should be concerned about if I'm just changing out the gaskets? I don't want to change them out and them have a whole host of other problems due to un-educated procedures.

morymob







Joined: November 09, 2007

Posts: 4683

Location: east-tn

Samba MemberJoined: November 09, 2007Posts: 4683Location: east-tn

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 5:12 am Post subject: Did u get the flat sealing rings 4 cyl to head sealing as they are 'the' head gasket against compression leaks, don't recomment not replasing them as they are crush type when heads torqued down. I think biggest problem is if a cyl is stuck to head, being able to get it loose and NOT pull cyl out and piston rings coming out of cyl bottom.Turning eng so piston(s) are at half point in cyl gives u more wiggle room. If u r mech able, it is a challenge the 1st time,careful with ex studs. Looks like u r doing left side, that is worse , more stuff to get out of way. One thing i do,will get some flak,is replace ex studs- using bolts instead, if in future a head needs to come off u can slip it thru ex flanges and not fight getting past studs, this was on 1st wbx as it kept splitting the gaskets, made a mod of my own at this time also.

insyncro







Joined: March 07, 2002

Posts: 15087

Location: New York

BannedJoined: March 07, 2002Posts: 15087Location: New York

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 5:28 am Post subject: I pull the engine and do it on a stand and have had much better success and longevity since doing so.

AdventuringArt







Joined: July 23, 2013

Posts: 105

Location: Everywhere

Samba MemberJoined: July 23, 2013Posts: 105Location: Everywhere

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:10 am Post subject: pulling Thanks guys! Unfortunately this is an emergency operation in a motel parking lot so taking the engine out is not an option. You're not even allowed to do repairs in motel parking lots, luckily the owner here is kind of cool and looks away.



I'd love to understand how to crank it to half to give me more wiggle room if you could help describe this process that would be AMAZING! Thanks again! And yes, the "gasket kit" comes with a whole bunch of seals including the actual rings inside of the head. I am really hoping it's just my water jacket seal, but I plan to replace the inner gaskets and all of that as well.

MarkWard







Joined: February 09, 2005

Posts: 12902

Location: Palm Beach County, Florida

Samba MemberJoined: February 09, 2005Posts: 12902Location: Palm Beach County, Florida

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 10:27 am Post subject: Good luck. It won't be easy.

_________________

1982 Vanagon Camper with ALH TDI.

1990 Vanagon Camper Syncro.

stevey88







Joined: January 16, 2008

Posts: 1317

Location: Fremont, SF Bay Area

Samba MemberJoined: January 16, 2008Posts: 1317Location: Fremont, SF Bay Area

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 11:00 am Post subject: The most difficult part is when you are putting the head back and have to align the four push rod tubes at the same time while you are on your back. I recommend making a fixture out of foam or card board so the four push rod tubes are more or less in position when you put the head back on.

_________________

Steve



87 Westfalia full camper 4 speed

AdventuringArt







Joined: July 23, 2013

Posts: 105

Location: Everywhere

Samba MemberJoined: July 23, 2013Posts: 105Location: Everywhere

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 3:50 pm Post subject: Day 2! Trouble a brewin



Stripped bolt and intake manifold removed:





Mystery rocks inside intake holes in the head: (busted up intake valve?)





Lifted compressor:





Removing Splash Guards and Pushrod Guard:





The melted screwed up connection under the pushrods and the obviously blown water jacket seal where antifreeze was pooring out:

Well Day 2 has proven to be a wonderful experience! bahaha.. hmmmmm... So I stripped one of the allen bolts holding on the coolant compressor.. So instead I took it off at the hinge and just elevated it out of the way. Meanwhile, the exhaust bolts will be impossible haha. I heated them up, sprayed them down, they are naaasstty. I took off the intake manifold with the injectors, and... well... uh oh.. I found these little rock looking things inside the head intake. I'm betting those are pieces of a busted up valve? I removed the splash guard and the push rod guard, and low and behold, that connection in the center of the push rod tubes had melted in half. The spring inside of it popped out at me and the rest of the connection is still inside. The water jacket seal, well it looks like it's just hanging there. Something forced it out, maybe when my valve exploded? haha. This would explain lack of compression I do believe. Well folks, I'm just gonna keep on digging. Let me know if you've encountered any of these issues before.Stripped bolt and intake manifold removed:Mystery rocks inside intake holes in the head: (busted up intake valve?)Lifted compressor:Removing Splash Guards and Pushrod Guard:The melted screwed up connection under the pushrods and the obviously blown water jacket seal where antifreeze was pooring out:

AdventuringArt







Joined: July 23, 2013

Posts: 105

Location: Everywhere

Samba MemberJoined: July 23, 2013Posts: 105Location: Everywhere

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 5:33 pm Post subject: from the top What do you think my odds are trying to do it without removing the exhaust pipes underneath? It almost feels like I could access just about everything from the top!

?Waldo?







Joined: February 22, 2006

Posts: 8354

Location: Where?

Samba MemberJoined: February 22, 2006Posts: 8354Location: Where?

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 5:41 pm Post subject: Zero. The exhaust is fastened to the heads...

_________________

HIGHEST QUALITY M-TDI PUMPS FOR SALE. PM for details.

danfromsyr







Joined: March 01, 2004

Posts: 12948

Location: Syracuse, NY

Samba MemberJoined: March 01, 2004Posts: 12948Location: Syracuse, NY

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:11 pm Post subject: there are many many reasons why even an experianced WBX mechanic won't rebuild a well aged/neglected engine in a hotel parking lot..



there are even more reasons a neophyte shouldn't make the attempt..

sorry, best luck.

xoo00oox







Joined: February 11, 2010

Posts: 2172

Location: East Nassau, NY

Samba MemberJoined: February 11, 2010Posts: 2172Location: East Nassau, NY

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:20 pm Post subject: I have pulled both heads off without removing any exhaust. If you can get the exhaust studs out, or if you know you will be replacing the heads, you can cut the studs.

The heads will slide out, going back on takes a little work, but is not too bad. You need to make sure you don't let the metal head gaskets drop down while trying to keep four push rod tubes in position. I stick the metal gaskets to the heads with grease so they don't drop off.

You are brave to attempt this in a hotel parking lot, good luck to you.





Andrew-

insyncro







Joined: March 07, 2002

Posts: 15087

Location: New York

BannedJoined: March 07, 2002Posts: 15087Location: New York

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 7:41 pm Post subject:



Place your bets, place your bets. I think the poll should be changed to....how long this reseal will last.Place your bets, place your bets.

AdventuringArt







Joined: July 23, 2013

Posts: 105

Location: Everywhere

Samba MemberJoined: July 23, 2013Posts: 105Location: Everywhere

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 9:00 pm Post subject: Haha Thanks folks In a few months I expect to make quite a few, proper changes. As of now, I am stuck in the middle, hoping and keeping the faith that I can continue owning the van and enjoying it, hoping it's fixable by a novice (which many want to believe is true) I plan to do everything I can to make sure I am not forced to salvage it. If anyone has a better idea I would love to hear it.



So! Made some real progress today! the mysterious rock from the intake is still of unknown origin. It would seem that the bolts going into the block were loose! (please remember I just bought this van at a very low price, partly out of necessity, partly because I love it) The water jacket seal is very rubbery, and I'm beginning to think someone attempted this procedure improperly. I am following the guidance of a lot of online sources and the repair manual. I'm gonna do my best



I've been finding more things to fix as I go such as coolant tubes, and cleaning things out.

It's not bravery, it's literally because I have no other choice. I actually live in my VW and any licensed mechanic is going to charge some thousand dollars. Yes I agree with you, in fact, the more I dig, the more it is apparent that maybe this had been done before by someone that did not do it properly. I would prefer to put a turbo diesel in it, I'd love to switch out everything, and in fact plan to in the future. However I am on my way to my next job, without much left after a lot of unexpected expenses from this year's migration. There is absolutely no way I can afford to do this properly. No money to pull from the sky. Need a website? http://adventuringart.com/gallery/website-clients/ In a few months I expect to make quite a few, proper changes. As of now, I am stuck in the middle, hoping and keeping the faith that I can continue owning the van and enjoying it, hoping it's fixable by a novice (which many want to believe is true) I plan to do everything I can to make sure I am not forced to salvage it. If anyone has a better idea I would love to hear it.So! Made some real progress today! the mysterious rock from the intake is still of unknown origin. It would seem that the bolts going into the block were loose! (please remember I just bought this van at a very low price, partly out of necessity, partly because I love it) The water jacket seal is very rubbery, and I'm beginning to think someone attempted this procedure improperly. I am following the guidance of a lot of online sources and the repair manual. I'm gonna do my bestI've been finding more things to fix as I go such as coolant tubes, and cleaning things out.

dobryan







Joined: March 24, 2006

Posts: 12168

Location: Brookeville, MD

Samba MemberJoined: March 24, 2006Posts: 12168Location: Brookeville, MD

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 9:35 pm Post subject:

_________________

Dave O

'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD



"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson



Join the Vanagon Rescue Squad on the VanAlert app.

http://vanalert.com/



MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646



Building a bus for travel in Europe

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371 Good for you! Keep at it and do the best you can to keep it going until you can spend enough to do a more final fix. I am sympathetic with your circumstances and have done similar repairs on my '71 (RIP) back in the days of yore. Don't worry that some folks think that you must do it perfect or not at all. It is obvious that you know that this is only a temporary fix... hope it is not too temporary._________________Dave O'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis StevensonJoin the Vanagon Rescue Squad on the VanAlert app.MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SDBuilding a bus for travel in Europe

Vanagon Nut







Joined: February 08, 2008

Posts: 9070

Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.

Samba MemberJoined: February 08, 2008Posts: 9070Location: Sunshine Coast B.C.

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 9:50 pm Post subject:



Something to consider.....



Try posting on engine swap forums etc. Most would want money for their old WBX but you never know. You're showing some initiative by getting your hands and arms dirty so someone might help you out with their old engine. Even if theirs has a minor coolant jacket seal leak, you might be able to nurse that engine along. This way you could "just" pop the new used engine in then strip your engine for spare parts. Which you will likely need anyway.



Neil.

_________________

1981 Westy air cooled to 15º ABA swap:



50º ABA Swap in to '88 Westy:



Vanagon VAG GAS engine swap Google Group:

https://tinyurl.com/2f24rmh



VE7TBN That's a big undertaking for a novice!Something to consider.....Try posting on engine swap forums etc. Most would want money for their old WBX but you never know. You're showing some initiative by getting your hands and arms dirty so someone might help you out with their old engine. Even if theirs has a minor coolant jacket seal leak, you might be able to nurse that engine along. This way you could "just" pop the new used engine in then strip your engine for spare parts. Which you will likely need anyway.Neil._________________1981 Westy air cooled to 15º ABA swap: http://tinyurl.com/y9n4xob8 50º ABA Swap in to '88 Westy: http://tinyurl.com/yap5hpwt Vanagon VAG GAS engine swap Google Group:VE7TBN

AdventuringArt







Joined: July 23, 2013

Posts: 105

Location: Everywhere

Samba MemberJoined: July 23, 2013Posts: 105Location: Everywhere

Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 10:13 pm Post subject: my work my work involves constant travelling, so unfortunately this van will be used, a lot. I am planning to do repairs as needed and I was actually on my way to Boulder CO seeking guidance from other vanagon owners who utilize their van regularly. I'd love to meet a vanagon community garage, or "yoda" of Vdubs to teach me the ways. I will be travelling in it full time so I need to understand and do everything myself as I will more likely be stranded in the middle of nowhere and need that knowledge. This happened in traffic outside Denver International, and only mechanic I could find close to tow it to didn't have the parts, couldn't let me stay in it, and quoted a lot of money that I simply do not have.