Head gasket choice

[bigblockchev]

I am wondering if I have the correct information. I gather that using an AAZ headgasket in a 1.6 TD engine is better than the original, that it will withstand  more boost. Also that no modifications to anything are required. I am rebuilding a 1.6 and am just about to order the parts. Anyone care to enlighten me. Thanks Dan

[vanagonturbo]

If you have hydraulic lifters, dont even think twice about the metal gasket. It will last longer and hold up to more boost.

[bigblockchev]

How can you determine whether you have hydraulic lifters or mechanical, is there something on the head or valve train which makes this obvious. I suspect that I do have hydraulic lifters but would like to confirm. Thanks Dan

[vanagonturbo]

on a mechanical engine there is one main oil return galley between number 2 and 3 injectors on the head. Hydraulic engines have an extra, smaller oil return between number 1 and 2 injectors.

[jimfoo]

See the big bump on the side of the head left of center, and the associated big round hole on the bottom? That is an oil return not found on a mech head. It will look the same even though the pic is a TDI head.

[bigblockchev]

Thanks Mine has 2 drains on the front of the engine where the glow plugs are and 2 at the back  where the turbo is. Cheers Dan

[Gearhead]

I'm sure this has been covered, but is it possible to use the metal gasket with a mech. block and head?  I know it's experimental at best.  I was just wondering if it has been done with a mech. engine.

[vanagonturbo]

It has been done. Do a search on this forum and you will come up with many results.

I have a 1.9l gasket on my 1.6l mechanical engine and so far, so good. I dont want to tell about what I did, because I only have a few thousand miles on it but I dont want others to try what I did and find out it doesnt work.

[carrizog60]

mine is holding for now :wink:

[Riverfurm]

I had my 1.6 TD in my 86 golf for about a month and a half now. I noiticed the head gasket leaking sime oil on the outside, I am also running 20psi boost max.  Also some of my coolant has dissapeared.

This is what I am going to do. Since it's a solid cam motor I am sticking with the stock but German made headgasket. Going from a single notch to double notch gasket. Installing Raceware head stud kit.

Any orther ideals?? :roll:

(Stud Kit $200 :shock: )

[TedV]

measure your piston protrusion before you jump to the 2 notch gasket. number of notches wont effect leakage (unless gasket too thin) but will effect starting/running.

carrizog60:  what did you do with your gasket?  not sure I've read what trick you tried,  search function could be better here.

[carrizog60]

just plug the holes with rubber(the one that has "wires" in the midle)

[zukgod1]

http://www.dubnetworks.net/showthread.php?t=1748

Read that thread, there are some pics down in there where you can see the hole on my hydro head has been welded shut, there are pics of the block before the ARP studs and after stds as well, I also welded up the coolant hole in the block (pics are there).

Check it out.

[bigblockchev]

Zuk that engine is so clean it makes me sick. Needs some diesel grunge to make it real. Nice job

[rallydiesel]

I thought the metal HG was a straight replacement on the hydro 1.6? Why did you have to plug holes and drill others?