[Vwdiesel] Re: [Audi-VW-Diesels] Head Gasket options?

[Gary A. Bangs]

Maynard,

Use the three notch!

I did the math once, going from a one notch to a three notch would only
drop the compression by 0.5. These engines have by design 23:1.

There are a few performance diesel sites out there that say as the first
order of business in making more power is to lower compression. Look at:
http://www.62-65-dieselpage.com/finale.htm

The GMC 6.2-6.5 series diesels are IDI like our beloved VW. These guys
lower it down to 18:1. They make incredible power.

The only reason for such high compression in our engines is winter
startability. Such high compression is not needed after the engine is
running. Anything over about 18:1 robs power due to pumping losses.

Granted, I live in SoCal, but I've always replaced head gaskets with
3-notchers(like you, they always have this gasket) and never had a
starting issue. I've had some pretty sick Rabbits to boot.

If your current engine has started well in the past, then you may not
even notice going one-notch thicker.

My $0.02

Gary, San Diego
1985 Quantum TD


On Sat, 2002-06-22 at 04:48, Maynard Southard wrote:
> Helpful friends:
>
> I need some quick direction ...
>
> I'm replacing the head gasket on my '86 Double Cab 1.6L NA (non-hydraulic
> lifters).  Current gasket is a 2 notch (068 103 383FM).  I can't seem to find
> one locally and I was really hoping to complete this job today (Saturday).  I
> have a brand new 3 notch (068 103 383FN).  Is it OK to use the 3-notch instead
> of waiting for the 2-notch?  What am I trading off?
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Maynard Southard  (OvO) '79
> '86 Double Cab Diesel "Col. Potter"
> '82 Westy Diesel "Reinhardt"
> '82 Vanagon GL Diesel "Sluggo"
> '93 EV GL "Klinger"
> '00 Golf GLS TDI "WooHoo"
> '84 Jetta GL TD "Donor"
>
>
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