[Vwdiesel] What? Head Gasket Okay!?

[LBaird119 at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/1/2006 8:37:38 AM Pacific Daylight Time, 
longyard at ix.netcom.com writes:

> Yes James, I was going up a long grade in top gear, 70mph.  Now that I 
> examine the head closely, it looks like there's a crack between the intake 
> and exhaust valves on the no. 2 cylinder.  The edge of the piston is melted 
> somewhat.
> 
> I need a head, I think, and a 1.6 na piston, I know.
> 

  Those cracks are almost always nothing to be concerned about.  
Lightly tap them shut and that's about it.  They CAN extend into 
the water jacket and leak but 90% of the time or better they're 
benign.  How "melted" is the piston?  It's not uncommon to find 
a bit of metal missing from the edge with the swirl trough closest 
to it.  A little rough or rounding, although is not ideal it's not really 
detrimental either.  Add scoring to it though and it's worth grabbing 
a good used one for it.  :-)
     Loren