1990 B3 Passat - Busted?

Post by **Custom VW** » Mar Tue 20, 2007 2:56 pm

sounds like the belt stripped on the bottom. Most likely the things been hot once in it's life. The 16v head really can't takle heat. It will bow like a bananna, and make the cam's really hard to turn, hence if your beltis old, and loose, it strips at the crank really easy.

the bummer is how much the head costs to repair.

YouTube · Post by **Mikewire** » Mar Tue 20, 2007 3:07 pm

Custom VW wrote:sounds like the belt stripped on the bottom. Most likely the things been hot once in it's life. The 16v head really can't takle heat. It will bow like a bananna, and make the cam's really hard to turn, hence if your beltis old, and loose, it strips at the crank really easy.

the bummer is how much the head costs to repair.

Maybe Renn will give me a deal on that extra 16v head he has *applies peer pressure*

YouTube · Post by **Mikewire** » Mar Wed 21, 2007 9:45 am

Well I posted this last night, but it looks like my hosting site had to restore a database or something because it is gone.

So, here's my update on the Passat project in my garage with the "broken" timing belt.

After taking all the bullshit plastic covers and belts off I found this:

So it looks like CustomVW takes the win on the problem! Parts are coming in on Monday next week, so I will have more to do after the weekend. For now I set the cam timing to TDC, but I don't have a mark on my flywheel so I will do the ol' dipstick in the #1 cylinder trick to set the bottom end.

The plugs in cylinders 1&3 were oil soaked, I am thinking some valves may definitely be bent. The upper timing gear was rotated 180 degrees out. Any thoughts?

Here are some more pictures of the bucket:

This t-belt should have been replaced about 50K ago...hard to see but it's cracking pretty badly. No wonder it broke.

This is the dizzy with the broken plastic around the hall sensor:

YouTube · Post by **Mikewire** » Apr Tue 03, 2007 10:28 am

Update:

If anybody cares...

I set the timing and it runs pretty good, but I have a pretty decent clackity clack, so I'm sure some valves are bent. So, I am on the hunt for a 2.0 9a or 1.8 16v head. Hopefully assembled and ready to go. Anybody?

I smell a WTB post in the classifieds.

Thanks guys.

YouTube · Post by **Mikewire** » Apr Fri 06, 2007 12:23 pm

So, I have a replacement head coming, and I have a couple of questions:

When I swap the head out, what kind of bolts and gaskets should I look at replacing? A new head gasket and head bolts for sure, but what about the misc gaskets?

Can I reuse any existing gaskets from the old head?

And is it ok to use some type of high temp sealant for leak insurance?

Sorry for any ignorance, but this is my first head swap on any vehicle I have owned. I want to do it right, but trying to stay on a budget.

Post by **Custom VW** » Apr Fri 06, 2007 3:15 pm

If removed correctly you can re-use 90% of the gaskets. You will still have a 50/50 shot that they will leak. sealants won't work, because sillycone won't stick to oil-soaked rubber.

The v/c gasket is reusable if the thing didn't leak before.
BTW, the #1 reason early passats overheated was the grill on the front is blocking a big portion of the radiator.....genious huh?

Last thing.....don't re-use head bolts on 16v's EVER.

Post by **Rennwagen1** » Apr Sun 08, 2007 9:48 pm

Custom VW wrote: Last thing.....don't re-use head bolts on 16v's EVER.

True, true. If you are planning on having to remove it more than once, I would suggest going with some ARP head studs. They are reusable and more reliable than the factory stretch bolts.

YouTube · Post by **Mikewire** » Apr Tue 10, 2007 3:16 pm

Rennwagen1 wrote:
Custom VW wrote: Last thing.....don't re-use head bolts on 16v's EVER.
True, true. If you are planning on having to remove it more than once, I would suggest going with some ARP head studs. They are reusable and more reliable than the factory stretch bolts.

So, I should get new gaskets and head studs - Aeron do you have a source for the studs?

Edit: I found them for like $130? Wow, that's too much for this car. Bolts and the tool will be just fine. I don't plan on taking it apart again...

So, I can reuse the head gasket? GAP says the OEM is fiber, so can it tear? If so I will just order a new one.

I'm putting in one last order to GAP right now - anything else anyone would recommend getting for a head swap?

So far:

Thermostat with o-ring, 87 deg Celsius -Standard temperature

Passat Head gasket, 2.0L Original fiber type

Passat Head bolt, 16V. Stretch bolt, cannot be re-used.
12 point triple-square socket head, 11x144mm. Includes washer. 10 required

Passat 12 point triple-square head bolt tool. Fits 1/2 drive wrenches, quality tool for professional use.

Post by **Roadhog** » Apr Tue 10, 2007 4:35 pm

pretty sure you cant reuse the head studs... Gasket you can try.. but I bet it will leak.

Post by **Rennwagen1** » Apr Tue 10, 2007 6:50 pm

Agreed, if there is any question, replace it! I was going to tell you I have a triple square tool that you could borrow(if you sent it back right away) but it is always better to have your own. YOu would be surprised that that little guy will fit. I used mine last week to get 8V injector shrouds out my GTI's head....I wasn't exactly the right tool for the job, but it worked!