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Head Assessment
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2019 5:48 pm
by vwlover77
Anything concerning in these photos, particularly as it relates to valve guides and seats? (2.0L Type IV)
Head 1
Head 2
#1
#2
#3
#4
Re: Head Assessment
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2019 7:26 pm
by satchmo
Captain Obvious here, most likely, but #3 has a good size crack and something really bad happened to #4. Are you planning on reusing these heads?
Satchmo
Re: Head Assessment
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2019 8:25 pm
by vwlover77
satchmo wrote: ↑Sun Dec 08, 2019 7:26 pm
Captain Obvious here, most likely, but #3 has a good size crack and something really bad happened to #4. Are you planning on reusing these heads?
I was hoping to reuse them. That crack in #3 is far less obvious to the naked eye than it is in that photo. But that's the kiss of death, isn't it?
The damage to #4 has been there since I bought the Bus, including the first time the engine was apart. Ugly, but apparently no impact on functionality.
Any recommendations on where to purchase good rebuilt heads if I don't want to pay Hoffman prices?
Re: Head Assessment
Posted: Sun Dec 08, 2019 10:49 pm
by satchmo
Cracks between the valve seats are more common, but I think that any crack that finds its way into the seat is probably bad.
I had Headflow Masters rebuild a set of heads for me once. They didn't last that long, unfortunately.
I had another set of heads redone by Rocky Jennings in Walla Walla, WA because I lived only an hour or so away. He does good work, but it took a lot of time and more than a little money.
There has to be a machinist close to you who has the tools, the experience, and the talent. Ask around.
Satchmo
Re: Head Assessment
Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2019 11:04 am
by SlowLane
I don't know what $$ you'd be looking at for machine work, but consider that new AMC heads are going for ~$430 apiece. Depending on your budget vs. tolerance for risk, as exhaustively explored
in this Samba thread, putting on a fresh pair of plain AMC heads (unmodified by Len) may be your least-stress option.
Re: Head Assessment
Posted: Mon Dec 09, 2019 4:14 pm
by asiab3
Heat two exhaust valve guide looks to be worn as well, from the deposits on it.
Close-up in-focus pictures of the back sides of the valves themselves will also help. You can tell a lot about the valve/seat relationship from them.
Why would one head appear to have copper shims(?) under the valve springs?
Adrian's Type 1 heads have been solid for me, but his Type 4 heads haven't lasted very long in friends' cars.
Robbie