Cracks between the valves

[Cman]

Ok I pulled my head this morning (1994 1.9 TD) and there are small cracks between the valves on all 4 cylinders..   one of them (#1) is noticable larger than the others..


Could this be the source of the exhaust/compression leaking in to the cooling system,, or is it more likely the head gasket. .


I spilled oil all over everything when I removed the head so I really cant tell if the head gasket has been leaking. .


Thanks for the help

Tom

[MK3 GTD]

almost all vw diesels end up with those cracks in the head and they are considered normal to a certain point, as for the coolant issue, you may want to get the head checked by a good machine shop for cracks

[Maarten]

Can these cracks go all the way up to the coolant channel?