[Vwdiesel] Head Gasket Questions

[Gavrik Peterson]

Thought that I would check with the list before I proceed.

Today I called up a local shop and talked with their machinist who
seems knowledgeable and willing to communicate.

I told him that my 1.6 liter diesel rabbit needed a new head gasket.
He discussed all the operations he could perform on the head.  I told
him that it has 170k miles on the engine and has gradually delivered
less mileage and more smoke over the years.  He suggested that If the
bore was in good condition, that my work should include re-ringing and
installing new rod bearings.  Is this the standard approach?  How well
does re-ringing work out?

The same shop can order the head gasket and stretch bolts.  They said
that they had good success with gaskets from German vendors.  They can
supply: Victor/Reinz; L-Ring and Gertse (not sure that the last two
names are correct).  Do you guys have any preferences or prohibitions
concerning the manufacturer of the head gasket and stretch bolts?


Gavrik Peterson
Seattle