Looking for where I can get a rebuild kit or will the re-gasket kit from autozone work?
Also, I believe I should have a mechanical head (85 golf) but I see 2 bumps. Also, I have a complete extra engine (don't know if it is hydraulic or not but came from a 83 Jetta) and got a rebuilt head (3 heads total) with 2 bumps BUT the smaller one is blocked off by a plug...
Would a mechanical head be more desirable and 2, if both are mechanical, then I will leave the plug alone. If one or the other is a hydraulic head block then should I remove the plug?
I hope I made sense....
How extensive you you looking to go as far as a "rebuild kit" just gaskets and seals, rings and bearings?? AS far as gasket sets I haven't seen one yet that comes with the head gasket as there are 3 different thicknesses which require measruing the piston protrusion..
Best way to determine if you have mech or hydro lifters is to look for the extra bump. Engine block code will work too.. '86 was to be the official changeover year to hydro lifters, but IIRC I have heard some reports of '85s having them.. And of course there is also the factor of things getting swapped over the years... The head with the smaller drain back hole plugged was probably installed, or to be installed on a mech lifter block...
AS far as mech vs hydro, there has been debate on the subject in the past.. Some say they felt as though the mech engines made a little more power, but nothing definite... The nice thing with the hydro head is there is never the need to adjust valves, which can be a pain..
Yes, rings and seals. I am hoping to get away from doing the pistons if I can.
Can I easily run the thickest headgasket? 3 hole I assume?
You *can* get away with just throwing a 3 notcher at it.. And a lot of people do that.. The old addage of just using the same gasket that was in the engine would be fine.. But as mentioned a lot of people would just throw the 3 holer in there when doing the job.. For everything to work optimally you're best off measuring to be sure.. It's really not a difficult process either, a set of feeler gauges will get you though it..
You shouldn't need to worry about the pistons unless the bores are worn to the point of needing an overbore.. However, to be sure it would be best to pull the head off and more sure that it hasn't been bored previously so that you can be sure that you have the proper rings.. At that point it'd be a good time to measure that piston protrusion..
As far as parts there are many vendors that can fix you up.. Be sure that you are getting a good quality name brand part though.. There's a lot of Chinese junk out there that may be cheap, but it'll cost you later.. AS far as rings, the best brands for the money to look for IMO are Goetze (a division of Federal Mogul) or Grant.. Since a diesel relies on compression for ignition they are crucial item...
Myke W (
www.thedubdoctor.com) sells quality brand name parts, and is also a sponsor of this forum..
There is also
www.autohausaz.comwww.metalmanparts.compartsplaceinc.comand scores more....
I'd go with myke, he knows his stuff and backs everything he sells.