How to determine notches regarding head gasket type

[monst]

Hi,
   I was wondering how to determine.
what Head gasket I have on car.......
 referring to notches? that is what they ask
at the parts store......
and can I do this without removing the head?
 
Monst

[745 turbogreasel]

You can't because some tool may have previously used the wrong one.  Measure piston protrusion.

1 notch - 1.53mm thick to suit piston protrusion of .66mm to .86mm
2 notch - 1.57mm thick to suit piston protrusion of .87mm to .92mm
3 notch - 1.61mm thick to suit piston protrusion of .93mm to 1.02mm

Max 0.005" variation cylinder to cylinder

[Wayland]

Yes, it's very common for mechanics to just install a three notch to save a few minutes measuring.

[libbydiesel]

Make sure to clean all the carbon off the piston crowns before taking a measurement.  I've measured before and after cleaning and the measurement changed from 3-notch to 1-notch.

[monst]

So...
I don't think I need to measure protrusion...
I have owned this car for ever....
But, Please...
if you don't mind for future reference....
How do I measure piston protrusion.....

THanks, Monst

[TylerDurden]

Piece of cake... I'd order a Robert Bentley service manual.

Then I'd get a dial indicator and a surface mount:

[8v-of-fury!]

So...
I don't think I need to measure protrusion...
I have owned this car for ever....

You are right. Unless there is reason to suspect it for being incorrect (lazy mechanic, or whatever).. replace it with what is there already.

[745 turbogreasel]

Piece of cake... I'd order a Robert Bentley service manual.

Then I'd get a dial indicator and a surface mount:

but measure inline with the wrist pin.

Unless there is reason to suspect it for being incorrect (lazy mechanic, or whatever).. replace it with what is there already.

Or if the car was  consuming significant water, had a timing belt crash, or anything else that might bend a rod.

[TylerDurden]

You are right. Unless there is reason to suspect it for being incorrect (lazy mechanic, or whatever).. replace it with what is there already.

trust no one

[745 turbogreasel]

I have personally seen one wrong from VWOA $6500 replacement engine.  According to the owner, it runs better than ever with the new  correct gasket, but I put new nozzles at the same time.
We got every receipt from new, so we can be pretty sure it was them.

[monst]

Interesting...
   So what do the (does the)
equipment cost and what is needed...

 Just to know.......

[745 turbogreasel]

A feeler gauge, a straight edge, a discerning eye, and  300 scrubbie pads, gotta be clean.

[vanbcguy]

Yup, measure, measure, measure again, measure a 4th time...

The best practice is to measure both sides of each piston and then find the average of the entire set of measurements.  There shouldn't be any "outliers" with drastically different results, if there are then that is an indication of a more serious engine problem such as bent rods.

[monst]

The Gasket?
Does it only go on one way
or is it symmetrical that it
could flip and go on left to right
or right to left.......
   The reason I mention this is because
mine(the notches) sit to the left of the center port
where as in the picture(jeremies) sits to the left

    Any takers on this question??

[theman53]

It only goes on one way. the oil port between #3 and #4 is the key part to that. It is in the gasket and the front head bolt goes through it right there. The new gasket will say "top" or "oben" on the side that goes up.