OH NO!, Head problem........

Special K · 05-30-2001, 11:04 PM

Hi guys,I was just getting ready to slap the heads (rebuilt) back on the 2.0L when I noticed that a couple of the exhaust ports still had the copper gaskets in them. Popped out the old gaskets and found that part of the gasket seat is missing (casting broken off the head). I'm hoping that this could be welded and machined, because I doubt that a new copper gasket will keep the exhaust from leaking. Anyone have this happen to them?, and how did you end up fixing it. I'm pretty P.O.ed at the shop that rebuilt them because I figure a rebuild should've caught the problem, but they're the only game in town out here. (Man, I wish I still lived in S.D.,CA)

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

Sounds real shoddy to me, but these should be easily welded by a competent shop. If you're in the LA area, give Bill or **** a call at Engine Machine Service in Westchester. If my recommendation isn't enough, they were on the cover of VW Trends magazine last month!

-Wayne

Special K · 05-31-2001, 09:03 AM

Thanks Wayne, unfortunately I now reside in St. Louis, Misery. I'll have to take it back to Archway, the only VW/Porsche machine shop within 100 miles. I'll just inspect their work a little closer this time (sad that I'd have to)!

Doug914 · 05-31-2001, 01:04 PM

My 2.0-liter heads had chunks missing from the port flanges too...looks like someone tried to remove the copper gaskets with a chisel!
When I had it rebuilt, local machine shop (Rimco) repaired them to like-new condition.

BTW, do you play a computer game called Delta Force Land Warrior? There's a guy on there whose name is Special K. Just curious.

Special K · 05-31-2001, 03:12 PM

No, the guys I work with came up with "Special K" (4 Kevins on the same shift, and knowing the guys I work with, I doubt it was meant as a complement:-). I don't have much time for computer game right now, however I did kill a week or so playing "Halflife" and "Opposing force". Man, what graphics! By the way, do you remember about what it cost you to get your heads fixed?

Patrick · Patrick's Garage

I also had Rimco fix one of my heads with the same problem. Can't say what it cost, because they included it with the overall valve job, etc. price. They only charged me separately for inserts in a few of the exhaust studs.