rebulding head: do I need to replace springs?

[Konstantine Bogach]

Thanks for response.  I will tell rebuilder to test springs. He actually recommended to
change them just because they are used 12 years.
Does the guy should know springs' spec? Is it general knowledge or I need to find a spec
for Audi springs for him?

Thanks again.
Konstantin Bogach.


>
> From: JanDebL at aol.com
>
> [ Picked text/plain from multipart/alternative ]
> When I was younger and worked as a mechanic we tested all the springs to
> insure they met the specifications in the rebuild manual.  Basically, the
> tester was a small press with an adjustable height setting and a pressure
> scale.  Some springs are designed with a linear rate while others are
> designed with a progressive "curve." For a given spring length (or height)
> there was a corresponding pressure specification.  Most American industrial
> engines had decent springs which were seldom out of spec., even after many
> thousands of operating hours.  Most American auto engines had marginal
> springs which were seldom reusable - in fact some of the new springs were
> barely in spec.  Even some of the aftermarket high performance cam
> manufacturers had quality control issues and sold a shim pack which you added
> shims under the spring to meet the tension spec.  I suspect the Germans make
> decent springs but if the engine has been run excessively hot to the point
> where the temper in the springs were effected, there may be a need for some
> concern.  I shouldn't cost much to have the springs tested and might be worth
> the piece of mind.  Most rebuilders will also verify the new springs are
> within specs.
> Good luck, Jan