[Vwdiesel] Head Cracked between valves...Seeking Advice

[Val Christian]

Before trashing the head, I would pressure test it.  Intravalve 
cracks are ubiquitous on VW diesel heads.  Many of us peen them 
over.  I've used low temp al solder on them (to seal them, can't 
say how well it worked, because I never had to take that head off).

You could just have a bad head gasket seal (how did the gasket look anyway?),
and common cracks.  Or you could have the kiss of death. More data needed
to tell.  The pressure test is the next diagnostic test.

Val







> 
> I took my  85 Jetta TD (which I have owned for 17 years) to the shop 
> yesterday because oil was appearing in the coolant. My mechanic took the 
> head off and found deep cracks between each intake and exhaust valve. 
> Purpose of this email is to verify first that this is serious and fatal, 
> and that the only solution is to replace the head.
> 
> Any input/BTDT is welcome. The car is sitting in the shop with the head 
> off. Mechanic sees it as fatal flaw and suggested I publish this email and 
> ask for responses from the deeply experienced diesel community. Over the 
> years, he and I have benefited greatly each time we asked for advice. He 
> works on TD Benz's and Ferraris and Rolls Royces and Porches and MG's etc, 
> but I'm the only TD Jetta in his flock. He has the best reputation for 50 
> miles in every direction, and he takes care of all the exotics in our 
> area....but nobody knows diesels like you people.
> 
> Assuming the head is toast.....It is a rare-bird TD, so can I use a head 
> from a NA 1.5? The head from a 1.6?  1.9?   No telling what will be 
> available when I start looking, so I want to narrow the suitability 
> field.  My mechanic has a complete 4 cyl NA diesel engine from an 
> early-80's Audi sitting on his shop floor. I'll get the engine number and 
> specifics. It came from a in-line power train rather than the side-to-side 
> mounting in my Jetta. Would the in-line engine rotate in the same direction?
> 
> Waiting for the wisdom of experience...................
> 
> 
> Doyt Echelberger
> Ohio, USA
> 
> 
> 
> 
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