Corby202 wrote:My GP VW did not use copper head gaskets, I never had any problems.
So I just want to point out that a single data-point does not prove a theory. I am not saying this to be critical of Phil; his experience is perfectly valid for him. But there are people who smoke cigarettes and never develop lung cancer. Their experience doesn't prove that smoking is safe for your health. :)
Frank - Good to know about your VW experience. It sounds like you've got far more hands-on time on the engine than I do! My comments were certainly not pointed in your direction in any sharp or negative way. I'm just trying to urge caution and critical thinking.
My main point in all of this is to be careful who you trust (i.e. figure out their credentials before you decide how seriously to take their claims or advice), and
to try to thoroughly understand how something works and the
whys behind any solution, before you make decisions or deviate from plans. Take a scientific approach when sussing out the "why" part: Is the information current? Are arguments for/against supported with solid evidence? Are they repeated by multiple reliable and experienced sources? How small is the sample size?
Most choices in aircraft design (and engines, too) are a compromise between several factors. If you don't understand those various competing requirements - or the impacts of a particular method/part - then you could unwittingly put yourself at risk for higher maintenance and/or in-flight failures. If you truly want to have confidence in your aircraft and its systems, you need to be able to point to any part and say "I chose that because of A, B, and C. Even though it means X, Y, and Z; because B is very important to me, and it doesn't outweigh X."
Stepping off my soapbox for now,
--Noel
"online" in some form or another since 1985...