Re: quattro-digest V3 #1024

[a6561TB@gnn.com (Igor Kessel)]

Hi, Robert,

I would like to disagree with: 

>The absolute easiest way I have found is to full the head.  Just 
>disconnect the exhaust flange from the manifold.  Pull head with intake 
>and exhaust manifolds attached.  then remove the exhaust manifold and 
>have it resurfaced.  I have successfully managed to remove manifolds with 
>the head still on the block,  but the time it took was considerably more 
>than it takes me to r+r a head.

It sure is light years easier to drill the studs out on the bench, but since 
it is principally DOable on the car it is still a lot faster.

And cheaper too:
1. You don't need a new head gasket set
1a. Don't need a new valve cover gasket
1b. Dont need new head bolts(very expensive! and you DO have to replace 
them, they stretch)
2. you don't need to drain the water 
3. No need to replace oil and filter afterwards (since you will not open up 
the engine). 
3a. No need to retime the engine.
4. No need to disconnect all that assorted stuff (accel and cruise cable, 
hoses, jacks and plugs, no need to remove injectors or fuel lines etc. etc.

Most importantly, "if it's not broke, don't fix it". I heard that Audi uses 
some unique assembly tech @ the plant, it has something to do with a dynamic 
balancing of the entire engine as the assy, I forget exactly. In short, 
people who routinely rebuild those engines say that once you had the head 
off the engine is not likely to rich that astounding mileage Audis are known 
for.

I have done the head job once (blew the gasket) and did just the mfld 3 
times - my vote is: do it on the car.
Unless you have some problems with the head also, then do the head and all 
at once.

Igor Kessel
'89 200TQ, chipped and MOMO'd through out,
in Tornado "arrest-me-officer" Red;
'88 Fox, "the FOX machine";
ex '85 5000s, "the EE's nightmare"
Phila PA, USA
a6561TB@gnn.com