Author Topic: mwtal head gasket thickness, notches, and such (Read 8125 times)

rayrayworldwide · « **on:** August 23, 2007, 04:45:25 pm »

Installing a metal 1.9 head gasket onto a 1.6td hydro lifter engine.

Old gasket was a three hole. So, I went with ordering a 028-103-383BK three notch metal gasket. I ordered it from the local VW parts store which didn't have any idea what I was talking about (of course.) They had it shipped from California, took a week. It was in packaging I thought was a little bit suspect. Two zip lock like bags overlapping each other with the part# sticker attached. When I got it, packaging said 028-103-383BK, receipt said 028-103-383BK. However the gasket looks like this:

The gasket appears to only have one hole, maybe? Or is that two holes? Or is that one hole and one oval? Anyways, it doesn't appear the same as other pictures found on this forum. Like this one:

Numbers stamped next to oval state:
27 RNZ 06
-33120-30

I've tried searching these part number on the internet with no luck. I assume that the RNZ indicated Victor-Reinz but have no way of knowing for sure.

Do some manufacturers not follow the notch system?

What do you think?? Can I trust that this is the right thickness that I need? I would return it and ask for another to be ship. But I'd like to have the job done this weekend. Guess I should have ordered from someone on this forum who knows better than the guys at the local vw parts store.

Any help is appreciated....

Black Smokin' Diesel · « **Reply #1 on:** August 23, 2007, 07:10:49 pm »

I really wouldn't trust parts shipped in ziplock bags... well except for shifter bushings. For a headgasket? No fricking way.

I wouldn't use it, it doesn't look like the proper HG either. Here's the three notch 1.9TD reinz I used on my TD.

Vincent Waldon · « **Reply #2 on:** August 23, 2007, 07:18:36 pm »

One other thing.... the notch system is not the same between the two different motors.. ie a three notch gasket for the one motor is not for the same range of piston protrusions as the three notch gasket for the other.

Can't remember where I've seen a chart that compares the two... but you might want to confirm that you have the right size.

And... just because it *was* a three notch doesn't mean that's what the engine actually needs... many many reports of people cheating by simply using the thickest gasket you can buy.

Vince

Black Smokin' Diesel · « **Reply #3 on:** August 23, 2007, 07:23:50 pm »

Quote from: "Vincent Waldon"

One other thing.... the notch system is not the same between the two different motors.. ie a three notch gasket for the one motor is not for the same range of piston protrusions as the three notch gasket for the other.

Can't remember where I've seen a chart that compares the two... but you might want to confirm that you have the right size.

The HG from 1.6 to 1.9 are of the same thickness for the same number of holes/notches

Stock 1.6 HG thickness
1 hole: 1.53mm
2 holes: 1.57mm
3 holes: 1.61mm

1.9TD HG thickness
1 hole: 1.53mm Part #028 103 383 BH
2 holes: 1.57mm Part #028 103 383 BJ
3 holes: 1.61mm Part #028 103 383 BK

I got those numbers from etka a while ago.

Vincent Waldon · « **Reply #4 on:** August 23, 2007, 08:33:07 pm »

OK, I stand corrected... I was positive I saw a chart comparing them side by side. :oops:

Ah well, if ETKA says it's so... !!

rayrayworldwide · « **Reply #5 on:** August 23, 2007, 08:54:01 pm »

OK. So, I'm not going to use this gasket. We'll see what the parts store has to say tomorrow.

Quote

OK, I stand corrected... I was positive I saw a chart comparing them side by side.

You are probably recalling the chart in the Bentley that shows the different size gaskets for the pre- 1980 1.5L and later 1.6L engines. The 1.5L has different notches for thicknesses similar to the 1.6.

Vincent Waldon · « **Reply #6 on:** August 23, 2007, 09:34:31 pm »

Actually I've scratched my head some more, and I'm vaguely remembering that what's different are the charts for piston protrusion vs. # of notches to buy. 'Course I can't find an on-line reference at this point, and it probably doesn't matter anyway as long as you have the correct chart for your motor (in this case the 1.6).

There are three signs of old-age: the first is loss of memory... and, ah... I forget the rest.

Vince

Black Smokin' Diesel · « **Reply #7 on:** August 24, 2007, 02:50:19 pm »

Quote from: "Vincent Waldon"

Actually I've scratched my head some more, and I'm vaguely remembering that what's different are the charts for piston protrusion vs. # of notches to buy. 'Course I can't find an on-line reference at this point, and it probably doesn't matter anyway as long as you have the correct chart for your motor (in this case the 1.6).

There are three signs of old-age: the first is loss of memory... and, ah... I forget the rest.

Vince

:lol: :lol:

I remember reading that the 1.6 and 1.9 HG weren't the same but the guy measured by hand so it's not very accurate.