Cleaning up

[frankerooney]

Cheers for the replies.     It's my first go at a head gasket, so I'm learning!
So we think that particular water gallery will be ok then? I'll have another look at that peppering and see if it's removable. The other cylinders aren't like that, but it could be because it was that cylinder leaking.
What do people think of payen gaskets? It looks pretty good but I guess not as good as VW stuff. The headbolts aren't genuine either! But all the rest of the stuff I had to buy is (injector o-rings etc). Been quoted 2.33 each for the smaller rings (KJET injector, air shrouded type) from VW! Talk about premium prices!

[golfvr6]

Pay the VW prices, that way you know it will last  

[mk1]

The Payen head sets are fine, last one i bought had all the injector seals in the set . Don't worry to much about the peppering around the water gallery, you will cause more problems trying to remove the marks as you will be removing metal from the block. The pattern head bolts will be fine (don't think VW make there own bolts ).
Steve.

[frankerooney]

Thanks again for the replies. I feel a bit more confident about the job now. Probably going to fit it all together tomorrow, weather permitting! One last question - anyone used the haynes way of lining up the head? I'm on my own so can't really get someone to hold it up in the air while I get two bolts in - haynes say to chop the heads off two bolts, and cut slots in the top - put them in holes 8+10 and then place block over the top and unscrew with a screwdriver afterwards...  Sounds ok, but just wondered if it works. I think I owe you all a pint for the advice...  

[golfvr6]

I've never use the method in Haynes.
Just put the head straight on, just be careful.
I can't agree with Steve (for once), i think not using genuine parts is asking for trouble, my policy is use genuine parts, do the job once, and once only  

[mk1]

I know what you mean '6 about genuine parts. I have used Payen gasket sets for years and they are ok, some times the seals on the BMW kits have the BMW mark on them. The last VW head set I brought had a Victor Reinz (sp) head gasket in it, OE I think .
As for re fitting the head, as '6 said, drop it on and fit all the head bolts. Screw them all in by hand then torque as manufacturers specks.
Steve.

[frankerooney]

I hear what you're saying '6. You don't work for VW do you?? I normally use genuine everything but this time calls for special circumstances - I'm only doing it myself to prove that I can do it to a reasonable price (helps placate wifey). VW wanted ?95 for a head set - with a payen one about ?25. BUT Anyone else out there considering doing this job - go it with genuine bits!

[frankerooney]

Just to keep this thread updated.. in case anyone's interested! Went to VW and showed them the pictures of the block. Their advice was to put gasket sealant around the water hole that looked a bit dodgy. But in the end I got fed up and bolted the head on without any additives (except a gasket of course). Now I'm hoping it seals ok. I cleaned up the block with lots of thinners - also the head with the same before I put it back together. I've got to put everything else back before I can see if it worked! In the end I followed the bentley manual advice and did the 180 degrees in two steps of 90. You can feel the bolts stretching! Was pretty nerve wracking on the last 90 I can tell you. Is there are way of telling that the head is precisely lined up? I mean the bolt holes in the head have about 1mm or so of free space around them, so I just lined up the front of the head with the front of the block - good enough? All the bolts went in fine, so I hope it's ok. I don't need to retorque the bolts again do i? I noted they were around 85lbft after the second 90 degree turn..
 

[frankerooney]

oh, and thanks to vwsystems - the cotton wool bud idea worked a treat. I was wondering how I was going to get that oil out of the holes - thinking I was going to have to use a straw! The other good thing was that bits of gasket or whatever fell down the hole seemed to come out with the oily buds.. The wife saw them afterwards and made some remark about disgusting ear hygiene  

[mk1]

Head lines up ok with the bolts in, no need to re-torque.
Steve.