86 syncro cracked heads

[FloAK]

Looking for ideas on what to do...there are cracks between intake and exhaust valves on 3 out of 4. Ideally spend less than more...Thanks!

[jberger]

Run them like you stole them.. as long as the cracks don’t extend to either of the ports you are ok. This is an issue with air cooled and wbx heads. Cracks radiating to the plug bore can be tricky.. but these are textbook.

J

[gears]

If it were a crack from the sparkplug hole, I'd be concerned.
_________________
aka Pablo, Geary
9.36 @ 146 in '86 Hot & Sticky
'90 Syncro Westy SVX
'87 Syncro GL 2.5
https://guardtransaxle.com

[gears]

almost simultaneous responses ;^ )
_________________
aka Pablo, Geary
9.36 @ 146 in '86 Hot & Sticky
'90 Syncro Westy SVX
'87 Syncro GL 2.5
https://guardtransaxle.com

[jberger]

[Wildthings]

Try studying the Bentley before doing any serious work on your rig. The answer to this question is covered there.

[djkeev]

VW accepted cracks like those as serviceable.

Many are running.
Today we have options..... albeit a tad expensive.
New heads
New heads with new valves
"Rebuilt" heads (busdepot) (though I returned mine because of poor cylinder seal surfaces)

Plus new heads have valve quality concerns.

I ran my cracks.
It has been years and multipke cross country trips. They are still running just fine today.

Dave
_________________
Stop Dead Photo Links how to post photos

Ghia
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=392473

Vanagon
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6315537#6315537

Beetle
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=482968&highlight=74+super+vert

[4Gears4Tires]

I still can't believe this is acceptable.
_________________
'87 Syncro
Ferric Oxyhydroxide Superleggera Edition

[buspor63]

I'm jumping on this bandwagon too. I just reinstalled a pair of heads looking the same way. Fresh valve job and I'm good to go until I decide to to a major rebuild.
_________________
Imagine that, theres not an "h" in either Westfalia or Syncro?

[DanHoug]

i'd be more concerned about --

- valve guide wear. pop the keepers and check it!

- margins of the valves, is there any left?

- there's some what looks like copper based gasket sealer around the fire rings. why was that put there? pull the fire rings off and clean everything.

- the water jacket seal is corroded. not a show stopper but you have to clean out the pits otherwise the aluminum will re-bloom and lead to leaks.

if you have the heads shop 'rebuilt', you may end up with more $$ in them than getting a nice set professionally reconditioned by intrepidoverland aka tencentlife.

-dan
_________________
-dan
60% of what you find on the internet is wrong, including this post.

'87 Westy & '89 Westy both 2.1 4spd

Past projects can be found at--
www.thefixitworkshop.com

[Howesight]

I think Jberger and Gears both assumed the heads would be rebuilt and were simply saying those heads were rebuildable without welding.
_________________
'86 Syncro Westy SVX

[alaskadan]

I have a complete 2.1 engine on a pallet that I pulled from a parts van. Seemed to run well. Pm me if you are interested.

[16CVs]

You have 2 choices. Run them as they are and forget about or spend money for new heads that will do the same thing down the road.
Put your effort into something else.

Stacy
_________________
1987 Syncro Westfalia Triple knob (bastard)
1989 Syncro Tristar Triple knob "Swedish"
2013 Jetta Hybrid a true "Zwitter"
Samba member # 14980
Call anytime number 650 722 4914 .
Keep Your van running and upkept tastefully for the love of the hobby.
Don't let your van end up in an "abortions" thread.

[FloAK]

An amazing community. I appreciate all of the constructive advice and ideas. I am going to clean them up, make sure all is within order, and give them a try. Thank you. Hope you all have a good week.