Running on three cylinders
 

It seems my 912e engine is running on three cylinders. Upon closer inspection it appears one of the valves stuck (number two cylinder) and in turn the head has a crack. My next move is to find replacement parts (after internal inspection). Does this type of problem translate to required replacement of pistons, cylinders, crank,...etc? The car ran fine before this happened. Is the head (and possibly other parts) interchangable with the Porsche 914 1.8 and 2.0 liter engines?
I realize the fuel injection systems are different
but, would it be possible to swap a 914 engine (if there is a cost effective opportunity)? Would this rile the California Smoggers?
Last question, where would be the best place to find parts, preferably Southern California.

The 2.0 914 head is the same head that is on your 912e. The 1.8 head would also bolt onto your engine, however it is different.

Really couldn't tell you much about the condition of your engine until you do a compression/leakdown test or pull the head off.

I would go to www.shoptalkforums.com, go the the type 4 forum, and post there. They would know where to find parts in So Cal.

John, If your budget is tight, find a set of 1.8 L heads and put them on it. They will work with the L-jetronic without many adjustments. You will loose just a little HP but on a tired engine, you wont feel it. Good Luck. Duane

Thanks for the info,
Is the VW bus type 4 engine identical to the 912E type 4 engine? The previous owner upgraded to hydraulic valve lifters. Is this a better set up? It's kinda weird, the engine ran very strong despite multiple oil leaks (some seeping into the throttle body intake?) right up till it did it's three cylinder thing.
I am not sure if it might be wiser to replace the whole shooting match and find a different 2.0
liter engine (rebuilt) or rebuild the existing one. Would this route be more cost efective?

John

John, The major diffrences in the engines are: Porsche has 3 bolt intake manifold 2.0L heads, Windage tray in the case, and higher compression pistons. All parts except the intake manifolds will exchange.
2.0 L porsche heads are hard to find and crack more often. I trashed my cracked ones and put larger valves in my 1.8L heads in my 914.
As far as hydrolic just use the search feature on pelican!!! 100s of replies on this subject. My thought is solid for performance hydraulic for street.
Oil leaks in throttle body intake? It is probobly blow by from the pcv system. Caused by worn rings.
Good luck! Duane

The 2.0 bus heads are terrible. Also, they are square port heads so your exhaust won't bolt up to it. Find a good set of 1.7 or 1.8 heads, put the bigger valves in it, and you won't know the difference.