Blown HG- needs to sit a while

[Gizmoman]

My AAZ 1.9 in the 82 Vanagon popped the head gasket (probably too much/prolonged boost @ 15 psi). It's been running fine for many road trips but I guess, it just got tired of pushing the box into the wind.

My question for now is, what is the first thing I need to do to make sure stuff doesn't rust or corrode if it sits? I won't be able to get into it for a month or so while I get parts.

When I do get to it, the plan is to add an intercooler (air over water), an EGT sensor, possibly a steel HG, and an external oil cooler.
I don't have the exact year of the engine or what it came out of yet. I've never had any luck finding the numbers on the block but once it's removed, I'll find 'em for sure. The goal is max HP without sacrificing dependability and I'm open to any suggestions.

Any help appreciated,
Thanks,

Jim

[CrazyAndy]

How big a hole are we talking here?  If you haven't taken the head off yet then I wouldn't be too worried, but if you are particular about it then I'd spray some a water displacing penetrating fluid like WD40 or maybe even PB Blaster around the head sealing surface.  Water can't get in since the fluid sits in it's way.

[Gizmoman]

As far as how big the hole is, all I can say is it starts and runs on three cylinders so it can't be too bad.
Steam is coming out of the exhaust and there's black specs in the coolant. The dip-stick shows a small tan blob at the top of the oil level on the stick - defiantly water.

I was climbing a long grade and was almost at the top when it sort of just died. It sat for a few minutes and I started it and drove it down to the bottom - about one mile or two and shut it off. The temp gauge (stock VW Vanagon) went over the 3/4 mark and the red light was flashing (overheat).
It was towed back to the front of the house and I drove it down to my garage (three days later). So far were looking at four days sitting.

Thanks for the quick response.

Jim

[CrazyAndy]

Sounds like it might have given up near either the #3 or 4 cylinder, just based on the "specs" of oil in the coolant.  Other than that I'm not sure, hopefully it's just the gasket.

[libbydiesel]

A head gasket rarely blows simultaneously in the three ways you are describing.  Running on three cylinders and steam out the exhaust would mean a leak between a coolant channel and one of the cylinders.  If that is the case, then the coolant system will pressurize very quickly and coolant will blast out the overflow.  If oil is getting into the coolant, then the head gasket is leaking between the pressurized oil channel and a coolant channel.  If water is getting into the oil then it is leaking between a coolant channel and one of the oil returns or possibly from coolant entering the cylinder and leaking past the rings. 

First thing I'd do is compression test to confirm the diagnosis and I'd do it in a hurry.  If coolant is leaking into one of the cylinders, then rust and pitting will occur at an alarming rate.  A couple days and you might need a rebore to clean it up.

 

[R.O.R-2.0]

if its got coolant in it, shouldnt the rust/corrosion inhibitors keep the bores in decent shape? as well as the oil left on the sides of the bores?

i could understand it if this were 42 year old coolant, that was more like battery acid, than coolant..

[CRSMP5]

overthinking stuff here people...

drain coolent... start run for a min...

done.. nothing left to make rust..

my worry would be "hydro locked" so before you ever hit the key again.. after draining the coolent... turn over by hand.. if it stops... gotta pull head/injector next.. else it will bend a rod..

[R.O.R-2.0]

overthinking stuff here people...

drain coolent... start run for a min...

done.. nothing left to make rust..

my worry would be "hydro locked" so before you ever hit the key again.. after draining the coolent... turn over by hand.. if it stops... gotta pull head/injector next.. else it will bend a rod..

yup. had that thought after i posted, and didnt feel like editing..

[Gizmoman]

Thanks for all the feedback!
It is nice, fresh, "rust inhibiting" coolant - I hadn't thought of that.
I'll drain everything this weekend and crank her over a few times till I can really get after it.

Jim