[Vwdiesel] Honing, head rebuilding advice

[Shawn Wright]

I'm getting close to starting on my 1.6TD rebuild. I may take the block in 
this week for hot tanking, and possibly honing, along with polishing the 
crank. I've been quoted $52 CDN for tanking, $46 CDN for the polishing. I 
don't recall what the honing quote was. 
As I am naturally skeptical of anyone doing work on my vehicles, and I'm 
always interested in learning new skills, I'd like to do as much as I can 
myself. So, first the honing - how hard is it to do a good job, and what 
kind/size of stones should I get? Is the crank polishing necessary? 
Bearings from the engine were in good shape when it was pulled apart. 

Next, the head. I've talked to two local head places that have been 
recommended, but interestingly, both have also been recommended 
*against* by at least one other person. Hmmm. I don't like the sound of 
that. I'm considering buying/making the valve spring tools and replacing 
seals & guides myself, measuring valves, etc. I would still need a valve 
grind of course, and possibly the head surfaced. (I don't think it is warped). 
I was quoted $160CDN for a valve grind, which would include 
replacements of seals/guides/valves if needed, but not the parts cost. 
I'm thinking, like many jobs, that the tools will pay for themselves in one 
use, although my time invested may be considerable, but that's the cost of 
learning. I expect the head to be a big job, but shouldn't be too bad if I can 
locate the tools, right?

I've been burned by lousy work too many times (well over 50% of the time), 
so I'd really like to ensure the only mistakes made are my own. 

Thanks.Shawn Wright
http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/~swright
'85 Jetta TD (retired)
'85 Jetta D 
'88 Westy 2.1L
'82 Diesel Westy