Head Bolt Fun!

[danc]

Hi All,

I wonder if I could ask some advice!?

Im trying to work out whats going on with my leaky engine! So far I know its not leaking from the headbolts but it is from lower down! I can undo all the headbolts leaving the threads sticking out, ive got oil in the water so im assuming head gasket. As I can get bolts undone is it worth my while continuing and getting the heads done or look for a recon? OR anything else you could think of?

[Mickyfin]

Does sound like head gasket. Your luck to be able to unscfew your head bolts, so a head gasket replacement is a walk in the park for you

[croc]

Hi danc
Could you please tell us what engine you have and what year your van is??
This makes a difference to the advice as there have been a variety of engine types fitted to these vans.

[danc]

1983 1.9 wasserboxer.

Cheers.

[ricicles]

not a normal head gasket on these engines. it is :- a compression ring and an outer runner gasket, also a sealing ringon the top and bottom of each barrel. the last is most likley to be the problem if you have oil in the water, prob the bottom ones . best to do it yourself then you know its done properly and you wil learn all about your engine.

[danc]

Great...anywhere I can find a 'how to' guide?

[ricicles]

haines manuel is helpfull. if not ask on here somone will help.

[danc]

Looked at haynes, head info doesnt seem to be the same engine. Definately gonna do it. Can see how to get carb, heater off etc so if anyone has got info from removing the heads to overhaul! Cheers.

[danc]

Sometimes im an idiot. Found it in haynes... Any tips?

[croc]

Removing the engine,
Take your time -
Label the wires as you remove them, and the connections on the engine too -
Exhaust can stay on the engine until after its removed -
Be careful removing exhaust studs/bolts from the engine aluminium heads, the threads can be a bit delicate - Thread inserts can be used here if any are wrecked (M8 x 1.25)
Depending on engine mileage, oil use, smoking, (particularly on start and downhill, foot off), consider new pistons and cylinders. Did mine with GSF kit and OK so far (about £300) -
Lap in the valves while heads are off - motor factors sell suction cup tool and grinding paste kits -
When re-assembling use correct sealant on rubber head gaskets, this is important! - mine blew 2 weeks later due incorrect sealant I used! -
A little grease on bolt and stud threads helps later - use a torque wrench when assembling , specs are in Haynes
Read all info regarding bleeding cooling system, Haynes and particularly here on Wiki.

Any problems, post here, there is some very knowledgeable and experienced help here and you are well served by doing this work yourself if problems occur later.
Finally, these are excellent little vans, fun and comfortable, good to drive!!
Good luck

jon

[kevtherev]

Fill in the pits on the cylinder head water jacket seal face with JB weld after you have cleaned it