VW 1800 AW code engine cylinder head cracked need help.

That is an impressive crack...


You've got serious seat wear on the LH chamber on that head

 

Many thanks. The mechanic did say that the head bolts were not tight when he removed the head but with no history when I bought the van a year ago who knows what the reason for this is. Hopefully with new heads and crankshaft seals + clutch etc it should be fixed and oil leaks sorted it should be good to go for a few years of trouble free motering.
Am also thinking about replacing the distributer with an electronic ignition built in. Any ideas of which one I should get as there are many available. Your expert advise is appriciated.

 

I've used a few powerspark units with no problems, if you want to upgrade it a little further, then the 123 unit is the next stage...

I assume that you're getting the barrels deglazed/honed and a new set of rings while it's in pieces?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/130595742789?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

http://vintagespeed.co.uk/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=37&Itemid=

 

I had a head "drop a valve seal" this spring. (1800, daul carb. '73) I replaced just the one head and have been driving for 2 months on it. I didn't get in to rings because my new rings etc. are only two years old and compression was good in the other cylinders. I thought our cost of $400.00 CDN was hard to take for a new head but for you guys!!! Wow
Bite the bullet and get her done right, you don't want to spend your time under it, you want to spend your time in it. Good Luck!!

 

Thanks . I defo order the powerspark unit as price is good . Will speak to mech re piston ring change and de glaze. He did say that the pressures were good on the other cylinders.

 

It's apart, and cylinder 1 has been leaking oil... Either by the rings or valve guides... Either way the barrel will be glazed

 

Bite the bullet and have it stripped down and start afresh - I had the same issue with a cracked head but decided that whilst it was out and I was that far into it, I may as well start afresh and make sure I had a good engine. I reused the barrels and pistons as they measured in tolerance and I fitted new rings and had them honed. I was going to have a go at the honing myself with a drill but decided that my local engineers would do a better job (£60+VAT for all 4 pots).

 

Many thanks. Still waiting for mech
to remove the other head to see the condition of the bores and pistons as its my cousins garage and working on van when they have time at a greatly reduced rate. His mech is good and knows the vw engine. Will keep you updated on progress.

 

Just to update, I have received more news from mechanic who says that now the #2 piston has a crack and also will need new rings and crank reworking as something to do with bucket bearings scoring. Recomendation is a new engine as it will be a cheaper option tgen reworking. Have sooken to the guys at the Engine shop who say that as it is a AW code engine they will rework and rebuild the engine with new crank, heads,pistons etc to new spec and return due to being a non exchange unit. If it was an AP 1800 unit then an exchange would be ok.
As there are many engine shops out there don't know best place to go for a reputable engine shop. Please help as advise from you experts out there is appriciated.

 

Depends on what you're looking to do...

I rebuild type 4s, either as stock or as modified as you want to go... I'm just outside of Newcastle...

 

....and he definitely knows what he's doing!!

 

Hi Paul. Many thanks. Am located in Luton so along way away from me So will have to find a courier. Can you pm me your number so we can discuss.
Also thinking if Stateside Tuning as they are nearer and will speak to them on Monday and waiting for Heritage to call re exchanging for an expensive stock 1800 AP eng they have in available for my AW engine.

 

Fyi...Stateside definately know their onions...unfortunately they don't seem to understand the concept of a 'Budget' build.....

P.

 

Work out what you want from your 'new' engine
Were you happy with it's performance before or do you want more power or torque?
I have no experience of Heritage stock 1800 type 4 engines, but based on my experience with off the shelf engines i'd say steer well clear of them and talk to an engine builder with many satisfied customers
Do it right and do it once

 

And likely as not, any prices mentioned are plus VAT

 

I was happy with the engine power before it failed having driven about 1300 miles since purchase but this being my first experience of the T2 I cannot compare with other engines. Will be happy with rebuilding to original spec in as new condition so can enjoy many years trouble free road trips. Only thing that may be good would be to ensure everything is balanced such as camshaft, flywheel etc. Luck has it that I have new 34ICT fitted and will be upgrading to electronic ignition so once tuned all should be well.

 

You sound like a sensible person, when rebuilding an engine, I can't resist making it bigger which is not necessarily the best way forward.

 

Well guys finally made a decision to go with heritage 1800ap engine as the good engine shops recomended by your good selfs were all fully booked till next year and so but the bullet. Engine delivered to garage who are sorting out the ancilieres and should be fitting it in the next few weeks. At least it has a 2 yr warranty. Now looking at fitting a temp guage so can keep an eye in it. Many thks to paul and his advice. will keep you updated.

 

Just to update the new engine is still being assembled and each part being checked by the mechanic.
Am looking for the plastic bush that attaches the thermostat flap control rod to the engine as per the picture link showing the one fitted to the opposite end. Cannot find this as have been informed that these are not available. so looking to find one and hoping someone on the forum can help.
Photo link as picture too large to insert in this post.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/u4nuc3wxf9vue4q/THERMOSTAT ROD COOLING FLAP CLIP - Copy.gif?dl=0