[Vwdiesel] Engine ID

[SLATERSFB at aol.com]

Removing one bolt will be OK as long as engine is not started with bolt 
missing. 
I have done this myself. 
Stretch bolts are far superior to old style allen type, and I have been told 
by reputable German mechanic that the old style bolts can be replaced with 
stretch type; though I have never done this. 
Someone here suggested ARP stud kits as the best way to go, but I feel the 
cost is too high for the benefits reaped. Stretch bolts from VW are $2.US each. 
Ask the parts dude about replacing allen with stretch - they probably can set 
you up right.

Good luck,

Bob in NY

                               
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I want to add that the local mechanic suggested
removing one head bolt, measuring it, and replacing it
to know which ones it takes.

The reason I want to know before I tear into it is
that the car is my only transportation at the moment,
and I want to hope and pray that the head is good, and
that I can get it done in a weekend.  That will,
naturally, require having the parts beforehand.  It is
only the tiniest exhaust leak into the coolant and is
still driveable around town.

Could the remove-measure-replace method work?  If so,
would I be correct in assuming that probably a middle
bolt would be best to remove?