Head Gasket?

[richandhazel]

Having said that.........the shields around the spark plugs look oem............but usually a wet running problem will be HT ignition and therefore look at the leads and cap

[diagnosis-dub]

You don't need to skim the head unless it is warped. Or the gasket mating surface is damaged.

As rich said you need to check it, use a decent straight edge and using it across 3 axis on the head determine whether or not it is warped or damaged, Heads dont normally warp unless overheated.

I think its a crap gasket to be honest, has the head ever been off in the past for work?

I'm assuming it has as your car has a 2 litre bottom end so was it fitted with a genuine gasket or a pattern?

Pattern gaskets always end up blowing and its a false economy, get a proper VW one.

[richandhazel]

Agree with Pete there............never had to have one skimmed myself 'todate' as I've always looked after my engines.............unless its been overheated, it shouldn't need skimming. But you do need to make sure the head is 'true' before refitting

[SarahD]

You don't need to skim the head unless it is warped. Or the gasket mating surface is damaged.

As rich said you need to check it, use a decent straight edge and using it across 3 axis on the head determine whether or not it is warped or damaged, Heads dont normally warp unless overheated.

I think its a crap gasket to be honest, has the head ever been off in the past for work?

I'm assuming it has as your car has a 2 litre bottom end so was it fitted with a genuine gasket or a pattern?

Pattern gaskets always end up blowing and its a false economy, get a proper VW one.

its  not a 2ltr bottom end its a full 2ltr and i havent go the foggiest if its had any head work done at all... the original head gasket went when it was an 1.8 8v and he replaced the whole engine

i may have a 1.8 16v engine for free coming my way so im not getting the head skimmed etc if it is fcuked

i havent got a clue what gasket its got on it.... and theyre magnecore leads and are only 2mths old that are on the car at present

[kingsmk2]

sass r u gonna move over to kjet then?? or u getting a mk3 16v and loom

[SarahD]

erm wats the difference betwen k jet and digifant?

if i can get hold of a mk3 16v id be a lot more happy, mates seein if he can get me one very cheap 

if not ill go back to a 1.8 but itl be a valver instead of an 8v

i aint too clued up on VW engines at the mo though so itl be a learning curve helping to fit the engine as im not one to stand back and watch

[Judderi]

erm wats the difference betwen k jet and digifant?

if i can get hold of a mk3 16v id be a lot more happy, mates seein if he can get me one very cheap 

if not ill go back to a 1.8 but itl be a valver instead of an 8v

i aint too clued up on VW engines at the mo though so itl be a learning curve helping to fit the engine as im not one to stand back and watch

K jet is the mechanical injection system the valver uses and digi is the electronic ecu controlled injection system used by some 8 valvers.

The valver engine is k-jet. However the mk3 valver is electronic injection controlled by the ecu.

A good option if you want a valver is to go for the mk2 valver engine with a 2 litre bottom end off a passat, its a 9A block. Works well in my opinion but hey im byast.

[SarahD]

sounds like a man with a plan

*flutters lashes*

please will you help me ben 

[Judderi]

Help you what? 

[diagnosis-dub]

Sounds like a good plan, the trouble comes when you come to find a good 9A engine as most will need rebuilding by now unless you find the holy grail of a low mileage engine.

If you do get a 9A head and block complete then just fit it as a whole and swap the KR inlet cam over as this is a better spec cam compared to the catalyst spec 9A inlet cam. you can split it to fit the KR head but its not really neccesary.

If you want torque then fit the 9A 44mm inlet manifold. If you want top end BHP then go for the KR 50mm inlet manifold.

If your sourcing the 1984cc ABF tall block from a MK3 16V then I would just stick this in with the associated ECU and other gubbins and not worry about tuning it till its all up and running. After all you say your getting it for free so why cost yourself money.

Sell the engine on you got at the moment and your laughing (hopefully)