Club 80-90 Forums

I have a simple cry for help. I have been having overheating problems in my 1981 1.6 diesel and having eliminated everything else that I could think of removed the head to look at the gasket. In between every intake outlet valve is a crack, all in an almost straight line. The openings to the side of the cylinder (I'm assuming for water cooling) are rusted to the point that compression appears to be leaking out there as well. And yes I do use antifreeze but the previous owner obviously didn't. I think the head is shot and so does everyone else that has seen it. My question is this: What do I have to look out for in a second hand head? Its an idiot question but are all 1.6 diesel heads compatible or are there things to look out for? My engine number is CH05895 if that helps. I'd appreciate any constructive advice on how to go about buying a second hand head. Thanks in advance. Dubwana

I have sent you a PM------------------------

I had this problem in almost identical circs to you. I ended up going the whole hog and doing a full engine re-build but to be honest I got a bit carried away and spent far too much on the project. The cracks you describe are a common problem and if your van has done a lot of miles it may pay you to replace the head with a new/recon unit? I initially bought a secondhand head for £150 that has been refurbished, but it turned out to be the wrong one so in the end I bought new from Euro Car Parts which cost me a £200. I have just checked and they currenty sell for £400 plus a surcharge!

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecommerce/S ... esults.asp" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck, Keith

I have just noticed your location so I guess popping down to Euro Car Parts is probably not an option!
Here's a photo of my old head

Thanks for the suggestion though, if I get really stuck I'll wait until I'm in the UK in August but this is my day to day runner, my camper, my vacation vehicle and work vehicle so I really have to get it on the road as soon as possible and as cheaply as possible. And these days sticking a cylinder head in a suitcase seems to cause overweight problems on the airplane.

However, what was it that was wrong about the first one you bought? Was it from a totally different engine or are there variations within the 81-87 none turbo 1.6 engine that could scupper me as well? I have guys scouring the Nairobi breaker yards as we speak so any more advice would be gratefully received before in desperation I make it worse than it actually is.

Have sent you a PM

£400 for a cylinder head need one myself is this complete

macalfie wrote:£400 for a cylinder head need one myself is this complete

If from a re-manufacturer NO. valves / camshaft fitted but no injectors or glow plugs normaly pick up a good used head with no cracks for about £75-£150------ Been there done that--------------

will any vw 1.6d fit on a jx dont realy want to spend 300 to 400 on one

still after a jx head if anyones got one cheers