Diesel Head Gasket Replacement, what kind of head bolts?

[kurtrwilliams]

Well, this is my first vw, I have had friends that have had similar cars to this but not diesel. It is a 1980 vw rabbit diesel, NA. I got a few questions.
1. How do I know which engine it has, I have read people both saying that is has the 1.5 and the 1.6 liter diesel engine, how can I find out? I am guessing there is a number imprinted on it?

2. So I have everything ready to take off the head, I am just going to buy the torx screw(at least I think that's what they are called) to take off the head bolts. My question is, what do I replace while I have these parts off, and how do I know which gasket to get, I know I can just copy whatever one is on there but I have read a few blogs now that have said they did that and the previous owner had put the wrong one it, I just want to double check. Also are some of them better than others, I figure I can spend a few extra bucks to get something nice. Do I need to replace the timing belt? it looks fine but is that something i should just do? anything else you guys can think of let me know.

[rs899]

First off, I would strongly recommend that you buy yourself a good shop manual for your Rabbit.  The diesel engine is not forgiving when it comes to head gaskets and timing.

Check the first two letters of the engine serial number on the block below #3 cyl.  A 1.6 of that era will start with "CR", the 1.5 should be (I think) "CK".

The head bolts, if they are 12 point , require the use of a "triple square" (not torx) bit, 12mm.

You will need to measure the protrusion of the pistons above the block with a feeler gauge to find the correct gasket9 see the manual).  Make sure you buy a German gasket and replace the timing belt (and the tensioner and water pump if you are unsure how good they are).

Rick