Would you use this block.

[dash cunning]

This block looks ok, has a lil water in the #2 and 3 cylinder but that could of been from washing it. it's 11mm block(i'mma get headstuds.) but what has me concerned is this passage that looks like it's been wornout a lil much. Is this normal? the other block i had didn't have it but it was a 12mm block. There are 2 diesels at the yard right now so if this is gonna cause a problem i'd rather pick up one from the yard, hopefully one is a 12mm block.

sry for the poor quality pics. the passage is pretty obvious but it would be the bottom left passage in the pic





thanks for the help guys.

[Rabbit on Roids]

if its not cracked, and it looks like a head gasket will seal on it, then just use it. lay a gasket over the hole and see if you can see any problems.

[dash cunning]

ok will do. hopefully i can get away with just cutting the top ridge and a hone. i don't wanna have to buy new pistons.

[maxfax]

I'll x2 what ROR said..   One of the umpteen 11m blocks I've had, had the same thing going on with one of the passages..  It was fine till it cracked...

Check around those head bolt holes very closely for cracks..  (If it's cracked you'll be able to see them with the naked eye) 

[theman53]

Poor mans crack checker...you can lightly rub a magnet around where you want to see if there are cracks. If there is any they will show up as a different colored line. The magnet is a small, cheap, and not as good version of what magnaflux a block does.

[dash cunning]

cool thanks for the help. the holes have no cracks i don't think it's ever been opened up before. but who knows.

[dash cunning]

another quick question.... what are the disadvantages of running a 1.5 head on a 1.6 block? are they the same or will the power output be less??? the head that came off this block has some big cracks between the valves and i have a good 1.5 head here.

[maxfax]

Read this http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=21952.0

It should cover what you need to know on such a swap... 

[RustyCaddy]

have a 11mm block that looked to the naked eye like it might have cracks at the corners on the tranny side...had it magnafluxed at a really good engine shop with lots of vw diesel experienced and the block was fine just something from the original casting maybe the same reason for the water passage shape on your engine?

[Rabbit on Roids]

ALL vw heads (unless they are BRAND NEW) have cracks between the valves.and theres really no reason not to use the 1.5 head, its just gonna bump up your compression, and you have to get a special piece to go in the head gasket for the front oil return.

[dash cunning]

what is the piece you speak of? i tried the search and didn't really find anything. took the block to the machine shop and they said it was good for a hone. there wasn't any noticeable top ridge.

also the 1.6 head that came off of it has a big crack between the valves on the #1 cylinder i thought i remember reading that .020 was the outerlimits of how big it can get, i haven't put a feeler in it yet but it looks a bit bigger than that. here are the pics of it. don't worry i'll clean it up before i reinstall it if it's deemed smart to run.

here's #4


here's #3


here #2





and here's #1. 2 questions, Is the crack too big? What do you think cause's the pitting in the head? The piston looks ok aside from some buildup but you can faintly see small pit marks too, will this affect anything?


thanks guys.

[vanbcguy]

Doesn't look too bad to me... Kinda looks like a glow plug broke off or something in the last pic, but I'm pretty sure I've seen way worse on here!

[Rabbit on Roids]

if that head heald pressure (passed a pressure test), then i would have no problem running it.