Usable TD Head or???

[tommin]

What is the thoughts on this head i have cleaned up some.

[what2do]

I believe you know the answer to your question sir. That's a mighty big crack between the valve seats.

[clift_d]

I wouldn't have thought it would be worth your while putting that back in an engine.

[Timburrows]

I've seen a lot worse that still runs, get it pressure checked if ok skimmed and back together

[what2do]

I've seen a lot worse that still runs, get it pressure checked if ok skimmed and back together

^^^^^^ good idea if you fancy doing it again next month.

[Smcknighty]

1.6 td I presume. The crack is a design feature apparently.

Can't skim them. Why is it off in the first place? If it's not suspect then stick it back? If it's suspect then don't bother

[clift_d]

Can't skim them.

^^^^WHS

From the VW JX service manual:

Note:
Do not rework Diesel engine cylinder heads.

[ELVIS]

Plenty running round cracked between valves, plenty been skimmed/refaced, plenty on forums have done it with no issues.

Last but one i did was over twelve months ago on a westy that has done LOTS of miles since, fully loaded and crossed the Alps a few times.

As Tim said, get it pressure tested and refaced as necessary.

When you put it together make sure you use decent parts and follow torque procedures.

no hassles, no sweat, no hysteria

[tommin]

Yeah I have read same, still plenty out there with similar cracks which by all accounts most will have in due time and/or mileage. These cracks fall within given parameters 0.3mm so am not to concerned with them. I took this head off a donor engine given me, which the dude explained smoked badly, mmm sound familiar! I am interested to use it as it has a different gasket setup, a rubber type apposed to my old cork type. The bolt flanges are different, mine have shoulders and are proud of the head whereas the donor head has no raised shoulders! That's the best way I can explain it. Anyhow no final decisions yet as I have to pull the original head off first, just seeing what you guys think.... so as always thoughts, ideas and advice appreciated.
Regards
Tom

[what2do]

You're going to the trouble of stripping, cleaning and rebuilding so why not put a head in it that doesn't have cracks?? Seems bizarre to me unless you haven't the time to source another head.

[Timburrows]

The rubber gasket is a vw upgrade uses straight studs as there is a metal tube that stops it getting squashed,the head can be skimmed but there is a minimum thickness to stop valve piston contact,it's worth measuring piston height and may be fitting the next size up head gasket to give a little more clearance

[camper]

Cracks are common on 1.6 diesel heads.I suggest a head skim and pressure test service from a reconditoner.Most heads with these kind of cracks between valve seats after a skim produce a good servicable head.