I use Permatex Aviation or Curil K2, avoid silicone. Just a smear, as thin as you can get it then scrape a bit off. Don’t lather it on or it will leak.
Curil T is good, or Wellseal or Hylomar if you can find it. Don’t use anything silicone. Just need a thin smear on the outside edges of the case. I just give it a quick lick with a small paintbrush. If you’ve got the case split, good opportunity to see what state your bearings and tappets are in.
No! Don't look! This is what I meant earlier when I said yeah quick job if you just do the one thing you set out to do. An oil dribble will turn into a complete rebuild if you let it. Of course it's not a bad idea to do that, it's a good idea - but where do you stop? If you're going to do the big ends for example bang goes the idea of leaving one side assembled... and on and on. For the record, if I split the case I would indeed do everything but only if I suspected it was an old tired engine. If I knew it had 10-20,000 miles on it I'd just do that cam plug and be done in no time, the alternative could be weeks of measuring and sourcing parts.
Here is the answer: https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=179770&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
I’ve got the engine stripped down and split the cases today- no dramas and everything inside looks fine. Just got to get all the old sealant off and clean everything up, I’ll get the parts ordered this week…
Worth obtaining some cam follower retaining clips.. nothing is quite as unsatisfying as lifting up half an engine case with the cam followers in it, and the home made clip gives up, a follower falls out and dents a journal on the camshaft...how do I know ?
Yea that was the only thing I did wrong- they all fell out and I’ve probably got them back in the wrong positions but I will need retainers for re-assembling, any idea who sells them?
