New Head? How many notch head gasket? - IDI Engine - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• New Head? How many notch head gasket? by chrisrandle1 on 17 May, 2008 22:14
• Hello all;
  I am going to be buying a new head for my 1.6 eco and was wondering what head gasket to get.  The gasket that came off was a 2 notch.  I thought I read somewhere that the notches were for the thicknesses.   So can anyone tell me what I should do when installing a brand new head.
  
  Thanks you guys are great!
• #1 by Black Smokin' Diesel on 17 May, 2008 22:51
• Quote from: "chrisrandle1"

  Hello all;
  I am going to be buying a new head for my 1.6 eco and was wondering what head gasket to get.  The gasket that cam off was a 2 notch.  I thought I read somewhere that the notches were for the thicknesses.   So can anyone tell me what I should do when installing a brand new head.
  
  Thanks you guys are great!

  
  
  They are flat deck heads. The head doesn't determine which thickness you need, it's calculated with piston protrusion. Use the same thickness as before and you'll be fine.
• #2 by chrisrandle1 on 17 May, 2008 23:04
• Thanks for the quick response.
  
  Now if I were to change it one way or the other could I change the compression that way.  Or would I just cause problems?
• #3 by Black Smokin' Diesel on 17 May, 2008 23:15
• Quote from: "chrisrandle1"

  Thanks for the quick response.
  
  Now if I were to change it one way or the other could I change the compression that way.  Or would I just cause problems?

  
  
  The one notch gasket will raise compression and the three notch will lower it. I wouldn't switch to the 1 notch HG though as you would risk piston to valve contact :?
• #4 by chrisrandle1 on 17 May, 2008 23:27
• Would it ever be beneficial to lower the compression, say if you were to increase the boost above 20 psi. Or would it just make it impossible to start?  And what is the actual thickness measurements on these head gaskets?
  
  Thanks again.