[Vwdiesel] Smokey, Bubley engine

[William J Toensing]

Mark, on my '81 Dasher I torqued 11 mm non-stretch bolts to the recommended torque. The engine ran fine for a while. Then I saw signs of a leaking head gasket , removed the head, tapped the bolt holes for 12 mm racing studs per recommendations on this discussion group, after finding the right front of the block cracked from where the 11 mm bolt pulled out . I drilled the bolt hole into the water jacket to get maximum "meat" for the 12 mm stud to hold, & re tapped the other block bolt holes to 12 mm for the 12 mm studs. I may pull the head again & see if I can plug that leak where the block was cracked, any suggestions as what type of glue might work the best to try & save the block &  avoid pulling the engine although I have a couple spare engines I could use? I didn't know the 11 mm engines had a reputation for weak blocks, but that doesn't surprise me. The body is real good so if I have to pull the engine, I would like to install a 5 speed transmission like Mark has done to his Dasher.
Bill Toensing, Nevada City, CA