pistons to far above deck

[Rabbit TD]

maybe going the $100 headgasket route will be the easiest/cheapest option? seems like a lot of work either shaving pistons, or messing with the bottom end (all new rod bolts cost a bit...)

It seems like the biggest question or gamble here would be how many more times this engine is going to be coming apart and it seems like they always are and mainly for headgaskets themselves so maby the cutting the pistons would be the best route and they do have a coating method if you feel the need for it.  I originaly thought the gasket would be best solution but it seems we always have another problem down the road with these things.

[theman53]

I don't know but would taking some of the top off the piston make the crown too thin? I wouldn't think so if you are talking a couple thou, but I haven't done it. Just something else to cause you to worry. :lol:

[Rabbit TD]

I don't know but would taking some of the top off the piston make the crown too thin? I wouldn't think so if you are talking a couple thou, but I haven't done it. Just something else to cause you to worry. :lol:

My biggest thouht on that was the balance but with these engines and the vibrations they make to begin with and also the lower rpm I don't think a person would even notice it.  You could get them rebalanced but I would't even bother on one of these and I don't think that little bit would make them too thin either.  And as far as the coating goes that's something I don't think we need in the first place if it actualy does anything to begin with but can be added if you desire.

[Jettagli16v]

sdwarf36:
Just checked "Cometic Gaskets" and they do not list headgaskets for any of the VW diesel engines, though they do have most of the gas line.

Bummer,
I was getting excited there for a second.

-Brad

[sdwarf36]

sdwarf36:
Just checked "Cometic Gaskets" and they do not list headgaskets for any of the VW diesel engines, though they do have most of the gas line.

Bummer,
I was getting excited there for a second.

-Brad

 Don't give up hope. Give them a call-if the dont have a pattern already, you just have to send them an old gasket to scan (the gaskets are made on a CNC waterjet) and they can do it. The 1st one done may cost a bit more-but once the have it in their data, its there for the next person.

[thomcat]

Thanks for all the suggestions . This engine will probaly not be rebuilt again as it has some crack repairs done already.It will stay normally aspirated so im going get .004 thousands cut off the pistons and use it like that with out recoating.   everything else is spot on so this hopefully will  be the last hastle
Thom

[zukgod1]

Drop 53 willys a PM. He had a company custom make some MLS gaskets.
They would already have the pattern now so making it a tad thicker should not be a problem.

Here I searched for ya, no excuses now.

http://www.vwdiesel.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=17296&highlight=mls

[arb]

Thanks for all the suggestions . This engine will probaly not be rebuilt again as it has some crack repairs done already.It will stay normally aspirated so im going get .004 thousands cut off the pistons and use it like that with out recoating.   everything else is spot on so this hopefully will  be the last hastle
Thom

Understand we are talking about the thickness of a single piece of paper... you could kiss the tops of the pistions on a bench top belt sander and take that much off. You could also use the opportunity to balance them to the same weight.

[Rabbit on Roids]

just spend the hundred bucks and get a custom made copper head gasket. those ***es are reuseable. so that would solve the problem of needing an expensive gasket every time you pulled it apart.

[Fisher]

I recently rebuilt a 91 NA Motor, I had the Machine Shop assemble the Crank and all 4 Pistons and Rods and measure the protrusion on all four and then machine each to protrude exactly the same for a #1 Head Gasket.

Engine runs very well and very smooth.  I think it makes a difference on the timing or something.  Go ahead, there is plenty of meat on the Piston Crowns to shave a small amount.