Author Topic: Should I pull the head? (Read 3159 times)

b1rdjx88 · « **on:** March 31, 2007, 09:19:48 pm »

I have just taken the crankshaft out of my 1.9 and it will be machined for the TDI gear this week.

While pulling the engine I accidentally bumped the number 4 piston (I think) against the valves a couple times. This happened when I was unbolting the inner CV joints. I had already taken the timing belt and crank gear off before pulling the engine and I thought the transmission was in neutral when I started wrenching the CV joint bolts... I Know I know - definitely won't be making that mistake again!

There was no sharp impact. I think at most 20ft-lbs would have been applied to the CV bolt while the piston and valve were in contact.

So should I pull the head to check for a bent valve? My plan had been to just close up the bottom end with new bearings. The engine ran quite well just before I tore into it.

burn_your_money · « **Reply #1 on:** March 31, 2007, 09:39:44 pm »

HG jobs aren't too bad with the engine installed. I'd try it as is and then if the compression is low or it idles really rough I'd pull the head

rwest1 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 01, 2007, 07:15:49 am »

I strongly doubt that level of valve to head contact would cause a problem. I would finish the lower end rebuild, then hand crank the engine through, checking valve operation/clearance. Unless I found a problem I would close it up and move on. I’ve seen the old 1.5’s that were just starting to chew up the keyway run along making a big doink sound every once in a while (piston hitting valve). If you caught it fast enough you could save the head/valves. Regards

Wingaman · « **Reply #3 on:** April 01, 2007, 09:50:17 am »

Don't worry about that.

idgtd · « **Reply #4 on:** April 01, 2007, 02:02:09 pm »

A friend of mine with a VW diesel/samurai conversion had his T-belt jump timing while the engine was idling in his yard. We pulled the head, and no damage was found. The belt had a 14in section with no teeth on it.

Wingaman · « **Reply #5 on:** April 01, 2007, 02:59:34 pm »

One of mine mecano forgot the lockpin on the pump on a Eurovan 2.4 Diesel (T4) and the cam timing belt slip (not the pump timing belt) when cranking and no damage was found.

We pulled the head for nothing :roll:

tylernt · « **Reply #6 on:** April 01, 2007, 06:18:30 pm »

I don't think you could damage the valves with the pistons using hand power if you tried.

b1rdjx88 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 02, 2007, 05:44:50 pm »

Is that a challenge?!

Thanks for the reassuring replies. I will button it up this next weekend and see how it goes.

Any tips for holding the water pump pulley in place while bolting it back on the pump? I got it off no problem using two wrenches to loosen two bolts and then wedging a long bar between the two loose bolts and the floor to get the last one, but I don't know if this will work in reverse.

Also can I get away with using RTV sealant on the old oil pan gasket/baffle or do I need to buy a new ($) one?

Thanks,
Alan

burn_your_money · « **Reply #8 on:** April 02, 2007, 08:56:10 pm »

Use one of those BOA straps to hold the pulley, shouldn't have any problems.

The baffles are rubber are they not? That would mean they are reusable

Author Topic: Should I pull the head? (Read 3159 times)

b1rdjx88

b1rdjx88