AAZ head and MF block questions

[fatmobile]

 Right, it's easier to put a mechanical head on a hydro block, just plug the block hole.

 Than it is to put a hydro head on a mechanical block.

[dontdoemyourself]

Got ya. I will have to get some pics to clarify when I get the block back from the shop. But to block the coolant passage up, just again a threaded plug..?


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[libbydiesel]

That could work.  The hole is not round, but you can probably make it round and thread it if desired.

[theman53]

Yes, IIRC a 3/4" pipe thread or 1/2" if you drill the hole round a plug will work in it. My big valve head is a hydro as the casting was better, but I put all mechanical valve train as I don't like hydro lifters, and a hydro MLS gasket, all on the Mechanical CY block...so it was about as challenging to seal as you want to get in a VW.

[dontdoemyourself]

I will be to the point where I will need to block that passage up soon. Just got the block back from the machine shop today and am in the process of getting the crank and main bearings put back together, just have to get one more bearing from Napa or somewhere close as I got a 5 upper bearings and 3 lowers.. went to put the last cap on and discovered this..

side note.. I'm having trouble finding the vwdiese app on tapatalk.. has anyone else struggled with this.. sorry as I know its not idi related ha..

[theman53]

IIRC the #4 main is grooved, if you get the good ones. to promote head oiling. It is either #3 or #4, check the FAQ.

[dontdoemyourself]

after reading it that's what the FAQ does say, #4 bearing cap. thanks a ton.  also.. Im trying to upload some pics at some point.. but my IM bearings appear to be in fine shape, same thickness as the new ones I have.. I know the previous owner replaced them when he rebuilt the engine about 80-90k ago. 234k on block currently before machine work. more updates later this eve. thanks again !

[dontdoemyourself]

just getting to posting some updates, have all rotating mass installed, head studs, and just getting to plugging that extra coolant passage in the head up. Found a threaded plug in a box of nuts and bolts that I have that fits damn near perfect. still not sure how to post pics without using photo bucket or otherwise..  so those will have to wait, but, getting closer to having it back together.

[dontdoemyourself]

also, is it possible someone could point out the coolant passage I need to block up? Just so I can be sure.. But I'm assuming its the one on cylinder 3 near the oil passage with the pear shaped piece of rubber that goes around a head bolt.. on the front of the block of course. thanks

[libbydiesel]

See the place circled in red?  That is between cylinders 1 and 2.  That hole needs to be plugged in the head (looks like it already has an allen plug in it).  If you set the head onto the block the way that it goes, then directly under that oil drain in the head (that is now plugged) you will see the coolant channel that needs to be plugged.

This one:

[dontdoemyourself]

ahhhhh. I was a little off. Yes that oil drain is blocked off, and I see how it could cause a leaking issue. drilling out that block seems like a pain in the ass, anyone have any better ideas..? welding it? haha.. jk. putting something under the gasket or something? TIA

[fatmobile]

 So you can see that with a normal hydro head gasket
 the coolant would flow out the front of the block.

 I have seen hydro head gaskets with that hole filled in, not punched out.

[dontdoemyourself]

So you can see that with a normal hydro head gasket
 the coolant would flow out the front of the block.

 I have seen hydro head gaskets with that hole filled in, not punched out.

That would be a huge time saver! Going to dig around a little and see if I can find a HG that has those passages blocked off. other than that my ideas for filling that hole were marine epoxy, jb weld, or drilling it out, and plugging.. which I don't really want to do, as id likely get metal shavings everywhere.

[fatmobile]

 You are going to put a plug in the head hole and make it flat right?

[dontdoemyourself]

You are going to put a plug in the head hole and make it flat right?

The head is indeed plugged up, I need to back the plug out just a bit to get it to sit flush. My concern/ holdup still is the block, a little scared to drill it out and potentially get metal shavings all over. I was thinking of using the JB WELD steel stick? the putty stick that hardens up and you can supposedly weld to..?