there is no real "head gasket"
sometimes there is a copper (if i remember correctly)
ring that sits between each cylinder and the head.
if you're experiencing oil coming from between the head and cylinder, you need to re-torque the heads.
if you find a bolt that just keeps going round and round, you have a pulled stud.
pull the motor, remove the valve covers, and see if any of your studs are loose....
most of the time, a pulled stud will make it sound like a thrown rod, because the head loosens and things start to bang around...this can also sound like a big ole hole in your exhaust..
you can find replacement studs at most import places for not much, a reputable air cooled vw mech shouldn't charge much for this procedure....

Answered by mikeyDep
4 questions asked