This doesn't look right to me 😐

[Dallasguy1303S]

My engine was giving me problems to the point it died. I'm in the process of dismantling and cleaning what I can to rebuild it, when I got to the #3 and 4 pistons this is what I found. Not to mention that the cylinder head bolts were loose. Any help would be greatly appreciated as I am not an expert.

[Zundfolge1432]

Looks like fairly new engine to me, Loose head nuts usually mean it's been over heated. Did you notice anything say maybe pinging under load? VWs don't like too much heat. Clean off carbon on top of piston, look for a number those look like bigger cylinders, maybe 92s ? Could just be angle of camera.Running stock fan shroud and thermostat?

[Dallasguy1303S]

It would backfire and would not hold compression while driving, it would idle ok, but would not idle high. I have cleaned the pistons and this picture has the numbers on it. All 4 pistons have the same numbers, but they all had oil on the valve side of the piston. Is that normal?

[DeathTrap]

[FeelthySanchez]

Could you post pics of each cylinder head, & close-ups of the 4 chambers?
_________________

[Dallasguy1303S]

I cleaned all 4 pistons, they don't have any damage I can see. When driving the car would sputter and seem like it wasn't gating any power. I did find upon teardown that the #3 & #4 cylinder heads were loose on the #4 side and the valves were clicking really bad. Do I need to do a valve job before I put it back together? Also the crank pulley is wobbling and there is a squeaking noise in the engine. What can be causing that?

[FeelthySanchez]

[DeathTrap]

I don't see any indication of head leakage on what is shown.

Perhaps he's got an 009 and just can't make it run.

That and some exhaust leaks.

I say re assemble and flog it. Flog it like a weedeater. A true diagnostic skill. To pinpoint the areas that might need attention.

[Zundfolge1432]

I was gonna suggest reading a book maybe Tom Wilson or even Muir but that would go over like a fart in church.

[Dallasguy1303S]

It does have an 009. I believe the carb I had for it was impossible to jet correctly as it was a 32 36 progressive. I'm going to get a 34 pict 3 and see if that will work better. But I'm still back to the crank pulley wobble. I don't see anything broken inside the case after taking the pistons off. Right now I'm at a loss.

[VW_Jimbo]

Is the crank pulley bent? Typically happens when removed with two screw drivers and a wiggling action. I would purchase a new crank pulley and see what happens.

To avoid damaging the new pulley in the future, use a puller. You don't want to have to keep buying pulleys!

[Dallasguy1303S]

I've never removed the pulley. I'm working on getting a flywheel lock and a crank puller tool. I should know more when I get those. Is it possible to split the case without removing the flywheel or crank pulley?