The Wonderbus overheated briefly last Saturday. This is a 1776 engine which has about 5,000 miles on it. It shows signs of having been indifferently built. I've got the cylinders off and the pistons out.
Thanks to all the advice I've received here I have some idea of where I now stand, but don't know what are the most sensible next steps. I could use some advice.
My short-term goal is to get the bus running again for at least a few months until I can get a new stock 1600 for it.
Heads and Valves:
WHAT I GOT: The left head has a hairline crack between the intake and exhaust valve openings for #4, and both valve seats are cracked there too.
WHAT I COULD DO: Choose between getting the left head repaired, and install and lap new valves all around (?) -- or buy a new pair of 90.5mm bore heads from Aircooled for $330.
Pistons and Cylinders:
WHAT I GOT: None of the pistons show scuffing. Cylinder walls all show standard honing cross-hatching. These bits all appear to be in reasonable shape. But cylinder #4 has three fins broken (this is how the engine came to me).
WHAT I COULD DO: Given the broken fins on #4, which is also where the head was damaged, get new pistons and cylinders for this case ($200, Aircooled.net - 96mm case openings). Or just re-install the existing to get by with, and drive the bus lightly.
(My long-range goals is to sell the Wonderbus in much better condition than it was when I bought it, and get another ACVW to work on. A split-window, I think. And a bug for my wife. Pink. She'd like that.)