Little Dog
A2OC Donor
When I removed the head I reversed the tightening procedure. I then lifted the head cleanly, I think the clean lift is the reason the manual specifies a two person lift, and it has been stored gasket face up as recommended by Audi. I've checked the head for flatness and it easily passes to Audi spec.
However these heads have a bad reputation on the internet for blowing head gaskets once they have been disturbed. Furthermore if the head does warp Audi recommend a new head. But why not have it skimmed?
Having checked a number of engine remanufacturers websites I think the problem is the hardened valve seat inserts which are very close to surface to be skimmed. The inserts have to be removed and refitted after a full skim, or as one machine shop offered, the skim can only be a lite skim.
Furthermore the valves protrude beyond the head surface. Any increase in that protrusion would need to be added to the piston protrusion when selecting the correct head gasket.
It's too early to say if my efforts will be successful but I did think before I started that the head would be difficult to warp, it is short in length, deep and wide. A bit of a lump; not like a straight 6 cylinder head which must be far more difficult to remove without warping.
However these heads have a bad reputation on the internet for blowing head gaskets once they have been disturbed. Furthermore if the head does warp Audi recommend a new head. But why not have it skimmed?
Having checked a number of engine remanufacturers websites I think the problem is the hardened valve seat inserts which are very close to surface to be skimmed. The inserts have to be removed and refitted after a full skim, or as one machine shop offered, the skim can only be a lite skim.
Furthermore the valves protrude beyond the head surface. Any increase in that protrusion would need to be added to the piston protrusion when selecting the correct head gasket.
It's too early to say if my efforts will be successful but I did think before I started that the head would be difficult to warp, it is short in length, deep and wide. A bit of a lump; not like a straight 6 cylinder head which must be far more difficult to remove without warping.