Bingo, you got it right.  I removed the head this morning and found a crack
.75" long in the fillet of the counterbore.  I was hard to see with all the
nut sealant.  So I called arround and found a new AMC head for $435.  I ran
out and bought one and just installed it.  The new AMC head appears to be
more robust than the VW head.  The machining and porosity of the AMC also
appears to be excellent.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kenneth D Lewis" <kdlewis@JUNO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, August 15, 2001 9:33 AM
Subject: Re: Leaky Head Nut?

> Walter;
>         The first thing that comes to mind; sealant in the nut preventing
it
> from screwing all the way down. Swap it  with another one. While you have
> the other one off compare how much thread is exposed. Maybe the bolt
> backed out some. The most likely scenario is a small crack that is
> opening as you torque down.
>
> Good Luck and Drive Safely
> Ken Lewis temporarily hailing from OKC
> 86 Transporter Crew Cab , 60 356 Coupe
> http://NekSiwel.20m.com/
>
>
> On Tue, 14 Aug 2001 16:58:03 -0700 Walter E Stephens
> <aerocraf@WHIDBEY.COM> writes:
> > I have just replaced the head on 90 Vanagon with a 2.1L engine.  I
> > have a leaky cylinder head nut.  I have tried 3 different sealants
> > and nothing stops the coolant from leaking past the nut.  I can not
> > see a visable crack, but the coolant just flows as if the nut were
> > not there.
> >
> > Has anyone else had a similar experience, or suggestion to make?  I
> > hate to have to remove the head again.
> >
> > Walter E. Stephens
> > ACS - AeroCrafters Supply
> > POB 455
> > Langley, WA  98260
> > (360) 221-5039
> > www.acs-aerocrafters.com
>
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