[Vwdiesel] Head gasket problems

[Craig O.]

I made a mistake in my original message, I asked what is the pitch on 
the 12mm head bolts and I meant to say 11mm head bolts.


On 11/20/2011 12:39 PM, Craig O. wrote:
> Questions to all experienced VW mechanics out there ---
>  I just removed the head off of my 81 PU because of a blown head 
> gasket and I had some difficulty with a few things.
> I broke off a bolt in the left side upper radiator hose housing, and 
> in addition while I was removing the thermostat housing (in order to 
> drain the coolant) I also broke off a bolt.  In both cases there is 
> enough of the bolt remaining to possibly get a hold with vice grips.  
> Is there a tip to loosening it prior to trying to turn with vice grips 
> (IE - heating etc)?
>
> AND -- many of the head bolt holes are filled with rust and oil 
> sludge.  Should I use a thread chaser to clean out the holes?  If so, 
> what is the thread pitch on the 12mm head bolts?
>
> Final question - should I remove the carbon deposits from the pistons, 
> or just leave well enough alone?
>
> Craig