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Head replacement (stock)
samjo - October 9th, 2017 at 06:25 PM

Hi all,

Had a bit of a look around in other topics, but couldn't find what I'm looking for.
I got a 70 Fastback and want to replace the head (burnt valve).
Is it possible to remove the head with the engine in place or does it have to come out?
Also has anyone used one of the various stock replacement heads and recommend one or are most people reconditioning the existing heads.

Now I know that it probably would be better to recondition the whole engine but at this stage I dont have the finances to do so and need my daily driver back on the road.

Any advise would be appreciated.

regards, samjo

vw54 - October 9th, 2017 at 06:31 PM

Yes it is possible to remove the heads while engine is in place

HOWEVER

Its easier and quicker to remove the engine to work on it on the bench as it will take half the time, and with VWs if you are removing one side then its best to remove the other side as well.. as you will find its probably beggared as well

You will have to replace a fair few gaskets as well

where r u at

samjo - October 9th, 2017 at 06:58 PM

It's kind of what I expected. You could probably get it out in a couple of hours and work would be so much easier.
Was under the impression that a head gasket is not required, that leaves inlet and exhaust gaskets. Anything else?

nbturbo - October 10th, 2017 at 07:01 AM

I have just taken the heads off a Type 3 motor which was on my engine stand - what a pain in the arse. Can not believe how much stuff has to come off. Would never attempt it in the car.

vw54 - October 10th, 2017 at 07:15 AM

push rod tube gaskets, oil cooler seal, rocket cover gaskets might as well do the rear seal while yr in there

and check both heads while its out also replace the valve guides and check the heads for cracks

may be cheaper to get some new heads in the long run

samjo - October 10th, 2017 at 05:31 PM

Anyone bought from the two listed suppliers before, or can make recommendations for suppliers?

Rod Penrose Racing http://rodpenroseracing.com.au/standard-heads/141-dual-port-heads-steel-valve...

or

VDUB Depot http://www.vwperformance.com.au/engine/rockers-heads-valves-hardware 

waltermitty - October 10th, 2017 at 06:36 PM

https://youtu.be/gKF6dcKjLJo 

grumble - October 11th, 2017 at 06:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by samjo
Hi all,

Had a bit of a look around in other topics, but couldn't find what I'm looking for.
I got a 70 Fastback and want to replace the head (burnt valve).
Is it possible to remove the head with the engine in place or does it have to come out?
Also has anyone used one of the various stock replacement heads and recommend one or are most people reconditioning the existing heads.

Now I know that it probably would be better to recondition the whole engine but at this stage I dont have the finances to do so and need my daily driver back on the road.

Any advise would be appreciated.

regards, samjo

Samjo a few years ago I replaced the No 3/4 cylinder head on my brother in laws type 3 in the car park at a servo on the f3. it wasn't that hard just a bit of time involved, I loosened the exhaust,slid it back,removed the carb and manifold,tinware etc and slid the head off. i then drove to Tooleys at Hornsby, purchased a head and seals, fitted these in situ and he drove away for another couple of years and forgot to pay me for the parts. Nice and easy;.l No dramas if you are prepared to do it.:blush:

bushed - October 11th, 2017 at 09:22 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by samjo
It's kind of what I expected. You could probably get it out in a couple of hours and work would be so much easier.
Was under the impression that a head gasket is not required, that leaves inlet and exhaust gaskets. Anything else? I'm too far south (Tassie)


as you have it all out its worth checking oil cooler rubber seals and if the other head is tight and then reset tappets
see the clutch wear (2 hrs extra work so you wont need to do it all again in a few months or years!
time is money...
preventive maintenance. enjoy and connect the heater right lol,

samjo - October 13th, 2017 at 05:09 PM

Is it easy to replace the rings while the heads are off or is that a very involved task?

Bizarre - October 14th, 2017 at 02:43 AM

Fairly easy - but care is needed.

Lots of good reading here

http://www.vw-resource.com/engine_rebuild.html 

Also YouTube is your friend

samjo - October 17th, 2017 at 07:13 PM

Are the Type 3 1600 engines all dual port heads? I think I have read somewhere that some are single port but can't find it anymore.