VW Head Tricks #1

Part 1 of a searies of Volkswagen Head tips and tricks that I have learned over the years. Unedited and full of struggle but I eventualy make some points and give you food for thought. Thanks for watching

[@andyroo3022]

I went into the local Super Cheap Auto store a few weeks ago to buy new plugs. They young man had no idea. I had to show him the book and how to find the plug numbers for Bosch or matching. All they had these days are some Chinese plugs I never heard of. They had one plug in stock anyway. I wouldn't use them on a lawn mower. I found some Bosch online and waited for the quality. Most these shops used to be okay, these days they don't even know what a condenser is, or stock them anymore. I didn't realize Champion would be that bad, Happy I got the Bosch, after watching your tips.

[@Wh33ls]

Brilliant! I absolutely love this kind of Ingenuity !

[@TheEZGZ]

I bought that spring removal tool years ago when it was advertized all over Hot VW's magazine. I used my drill press for years and it is a always a good tool to have in your shop.

[@shadowjames490]

I know this is a older video of yours, but I have to say thank you. I have ran in to so many problems with my engine build, and just before I could put the tins on and go, I found out my "good heads" I bought through a buddy were not so good. One spark plug was cross threaded on each head. This trick saved me so much work!!! Thank you!

[@TheEZGZ]

Glad it helped. I use a little 1/4 drive ratchet and just run my sparkplugs down to the crush washer and give them 1 grunt with one wrist and call it good. Never had one come out. Sometimes they might weap a little oil but I'm good with that. Also always start your plugs by hand the first couple turns. A very short peace of tubing on the end of the plug can sometimes make it easier to grip.

[@SedatedandRestrained]

Early VW's had a copper head gasket because the heater air blew over the cylinders and into the passenger cabin. If the head started leaking carbon monoxide, the people inside could die. Later engines had what they called fresh air heat which blew fresh air over heat exchangers in the exhaust for cabin heat. When building a performance engine, you can buy steel spacer tings that go between the barrel and the case to move the head out to adjust compression ratio.

[@GregsGarage]

Great stuff GZ. I like the plug trick.

[@cutworm59]

Woo Hoo! Just started lookin over yer shoulder bubba! I need all the VW instructions I can get. Thanks!

[@TheEZGZ]

+cutworm59 hEY Thanks for checking in and don't forget there are many ways to accomplish the same thing. Lot's of good U tube vids

[@bobbijeankisselburg6534]

ezgz, just a little info if interested about those spark plug washers...go cart racers use those for the 5 horse Briggs. they have parts books and can order from them. love the wisdom as always...thanks

[@finleytv9290]

Wow! Great information. Thanks!

[@TheEZGZ]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vwmountainman9701]

I realize this is an old video. I used to pull garden tractors in competition. I indexed my plugs in the ol' Kohler. My point is - there was a company in Iowa that laser cut indexing washers for plugs. They specialized in Cub Cadet stuff. Now that I'm typing this - I need to look for myself to see if they are still around. I figured I was getting around 17 - 18 HP out of 12 horse cast block. I used copper head gaskets - indexed plug - Chevy points - flowed the carb - polished the head. Anyway - have a good evening Greg.

[@lelandlewis7207]

I always use never-seize on plugs in aluminium heads, it saves threads and is conductive, so you don't lose ground. Plug indexing kits can be purchased online. Indexing doesn't give a "seat-of-pants" feel, but does increase the efficiency of the burn.

[@jamesfreddys]

cool stuff

[@AlchemistLair]

Good tip on that spark plug thread chaser!!

[@TheEZGZ]

good to see you still hanging in there and thanks for watchin and commenting on my vid.

[@donniefiechtner5437]

when doing thread repairs on engine pack your tap or plug chaser tool with grease, the metal shavings will stick in the grease and not fall in the cyl.

[@spanermantim]

nice tip thanks

[@TheEZGZ]

glad you solved the issue

[@richieparrish7101]

Hi I enjoyed your video thanks! You seen to be very knowledgeable about air cooled vw's so I'm going you can help me out. Years ago I had a specialty tool kit that had a syringe and 4 clear plastic discs for measuring the volume of the combustion chamber on the cylinder head. I'm building a motor now and decided to just make a home made version of that kit. I have 1600 jugs so I justed traced the outside diameter on the jug but I need to know what the top outside diameter is for the jugs for a1776/1835 & 1915 so I can also make the discs for the larger heads/Pistons. Thank you!!

[@briotone]

Wish I lived close to you, just to watch and learn. Although I am, or was a BMW motorcycle mechanic for a couple of years. I like your style. Old school but good in my book!! Must say, briefly, I had a 3 wheeler Morgan but only a bike license, so I used a spark plug copper washer to blank off a sliding rod for reverse and bingo, I was legal!!

[@TheEZGZ]

That morgan sounds cool. Thanks for watching and commenting

[@kennyjohnson9640]

Fun to watch video. I bet you could rebuild my old '73 Harley Sportster XLCH 1000 blind folded.

[@TheEZGZ]

I had a 93 sportster always kept an eye open for an older ironhead. Thanks for watchin and commenting

[@magicalmysterytour-ce3nh]

i have "flash backs happen" painted on my back bumper on the magical mystery tour v w bus EZGZ

[@fistolas]

una maravilla

[@TheEZGZ]

The copper ring head gasket can be used to configure compression ratio and or seal the head. If you change the distance from the top of the VW engine block to the Rocker arm shaft you might have problems with rocker arm geometry. You didn't say what engine you have. Try to find the shop manual for your specific engine and follow the directions or you may not get good results. Thanks for watching

[@lindyrathbun2711]

My vw head on left side is pushing alot more oil out of it then the right with cap off is there any you can tell me why and exauhst is extremely smokey

[@jacquelinechellis4036]

Cool spark plug thread chaser

[@TheEZGZ]

Thanks 👍

[@stevenrubio5462]

might just try this tomorrow! getting tired of getting that feeling you get when you don't know if your either over tightening or going over carbon ! so you hack saw a grove in the spark plug and fold it over like a tab and then screw it in? hmm gonna watch again carefully. great video gz! keep them tips comin!👍

[@TheEZGZ]

You got it. Just keep in mind your chasing the existing threads and allowing a place for the carbon to ball up in that tool your making.

[@Rich2481]

I use a small jewelers triangle file. I put in three grooves ( or two or one) done this on bolts too when I want to clean up a hole.

[@stevephillips4333]

Steven Rubio

[@da-madmodler4692]

So I came across your videos and am glad I did, I'm looking into building a motor for a future bug. Where's a good place to start when I'd like to get some fun out of a motor with out spending tons of cash and have some reliability is it even possible?

[@TheEZGZ]

Adding duel single barrel Carbs, 1.25 Rocker arms and free flowing exhaust will really wake up a good running stock engine. Adding good HD single springs is a good idea if you do all that. Lots of suppliers have what you need. I don't have much luck with swap meet parts. People are getting rid of stuff for a reason. Good Luck and keep watching

[@TheEZGZ]

I made a vid for you with info on the spring removal tool

[@K4lr0b]

A question, if I want to clean up my cylinder head combustion chambers could I use a drill and wire wheel? is it safe? I know it scratches the surface a bit that's why I want to know if that is no problem since the carbon build up doesnt wanna come out. Any form of blasting is not an option for me right now.

[@TheEZGZ]

Ok to use the wheel in the middle with the valves left in. Use a brass brush on your drill. Stay away from the outer edge sealing surface. It would be even better if you could just use carb and choke cleaner or brake cleaner. Any scratches will just give the carbon a place to collect faster

[@vintage76vipergreenBeetle]

👍

[@billandbeaufort]

Wish you would get a camera that would focus up close for this sort of thing

[@gordonmack9948]

Hi, I was fitting the jugs to the case, but a bit tight for the last cm , so I used a piece of pine wood across the top of the jug and hammer them in, I hope I haven't damaged the seal, I was thinking that would be fine a the jugs are made of cast iron, Please let me know what you think as I am a bit worried about it.

[@TheEZGZ]

I had a similar problem with a brand new case. I sanded the block to fit the cylinder. Also try switching cylinders. I sure wouldn't beat it in. How will you get accurate torque reading for both cylinders on that side of the engine?

[@Mr3wheeledbike]

You sir explained why my 66' 1300 engine has bad threads on number 4. I was given this beetle (nothing was salvageable on the body was a fire victim) but the drive train and sub frame was fine, so i put it in a golf cart. Any way the plug on number 4 was a bear to get out and that's exactly what i found.

[@TheEZGZ]

+Mr3wheeledbike THANKS!

[@kenlewis5226]

Is there a way to tell what size clutch/flywheel combo you have without pulling the motor? I bought a baja with a 1600 dual port and the clutch is slipping badly. I am unsure how to tell the different transmissions apart.

[@TheEZGZ]

+Ken Lewis VW made them in 180mm for 6 volt and 200mm for the later 12volt. The aftermarket makes many different combinations depending on Horse power.

[@225grasshopper225]

Hey have a question for ya. I have a set of dellorto 34mm carbs on my 1600. I'm getting a Snail gauge but the adjustment screw on the side that controls the air and fuel do I adjust it like all other carbs ( 2.5 to 3 turns out ) ?

[@TheEZGZ]

It depends on if your carbs have the long taper needle or the short. You are correct if yours has the long taper needle. You will know in short order.

[@toniton120]

Hello and good morning. I have a problem with a 1600 . Every time I put the jugs on and tighten the heads the engine is hard to turn. Thats without pushrods or plugs. Also My endplay on the crank gets tight it still has it but i can only move it with a big screwdriver and thats without the flywheel installed

[@TheEZGZ]

Make sure that you minimum .040 space from the top of the piston to the cylinder when each cylinder is at Top Dead Center. Also make sure your distributor drive gear is in correctly. You should only feel the drag of the piston rings in the cylinders. That should not effect your end play it should be easy. If you used a new camshaft and the gear did not mach the old gear it can cause problems. You should have about .004 end play in the camshaft as well.

[@gordonmack9948]

Hi, have just got too cylinder head and one has the number 040.101.375.2 VW 57 and the over one has 040.101.375.2 VW 59 so the end number is different to the over one, will that be ok to match. Thanks 👍

[@TheEZGZ]

Yes! It's fine. Those are just foundry numbers. Just to be sure I always CC the heads to calculate compression and make sure the chambers are the same size.

[@emoshawn77]

Nissan copper oil drain plug crush washers work.

[@TheEZGZ]

Thanks for sharing that

[@triariicat8448]

If you had a lathe you could face off the ends of those off-brand spark-plugs so they will sit flush

[@TheEZGZ]

If I had a lathe or if I had a mill or if I had money I would just pay you to do it for me. hehehe

[@markkendall3179]

Hi easy Jeezy I have a Volkswagen engine I am putting barrels on and they are 90.5 what shims under the barrel should I start with or be safe with I do not have all the tools for checking deck height I will be waiting to hear from you thank you

[@TheEZGZ]

.040

[@tomstulc9143]

@@TheEZGZ What do you think about polishing the intake exhaust head camber and piston top to reduce detonation. I have a 1600 conversion in an experimental aircraft. I rebuilt the top end cause the original owner cooked the rear piston and valves. I have a new set of forged thin wall 92 pistons and cylinders that came with it plus three other engines. I want to put those Pistons and one of those ebay little blowers on it . The original was compressed and placard for 100 to 130 LL AV gas. Can I add shims to reduce the overcompression??

[@davehall9202]

great info thx. my problem is my 1915cc engine 40 mm delorto carbs.. the engine rattles and pings badly only when in fourth gear if your cruising at 60mpr and push the the gas down to accelerate. you can shift from 1 all the way up to 4 heavy on the rpm and no noise. only when it lugs a bit. timing is 10deg before TDC and valves at 6000. and a magna spark distributor!! my only thoughts are my distributor is doing this,also if you lug in reverse it pings.. new starter also but sometimes after running for awhile it rolls over slow but not always, engine doesn't seem to be hot you can hang onto the end oil dipstick . I've put 1500 miles on it so far runs good other than that, oil is clean and about 30lbs oil pressure when hot hot .what are your thoughts anyone thx

[@TheEZGZ]

You can still get a a timing light at O'riley's auto parts for about $40 dollars and see how that distributor advance is doing. I just bought a brand new 009 copy cat distributor at Carcraft VW parts for $29.95 plus shipping and it works good. always like to carry a spare. You could try that and see what happen's???? Good Luck.

[@charlietango186]

It would have been nice if you could have taken some close up's by putting the camera closer to the bench

[@TheEZGZ]

CharlieTango 1 Thank You. Note taken. I was still pretty new at it all. You should try it.

[@charlietango186]

I have tried it, and I am just as bad, if not worse, click on my name, I have video's there that are my first attempt.

[@ppgwhereeverett4412]

At 2:00 min, is it Feasible to fly cut One cylinder in the head and then shim that actual cylinder up to match. Then no increase in Comp Ratio ?

[@TheEZGZ]

You would just have to shim it back up afterwards or it will throw everything off. Your compression ratio, your valve geometry . New Stock heads are relatively cheap. Better to just replace both and not worry about it.

[@mestrate]

ez jesus e is the best

[@TheEZGZ]

Thx, Glad you think so....

[@johnmerrill4249]

The golden rule of vw I have learned is this " if it begins with B it's for me". B meaning Bosch for everything plugs, electrical, mechanical. You can't go wrong with a few more dollars.

[@jimdeaton1069]

John Merrill i

[@harveycruz2409]

hi ezgz, im harvey from justin tx, i have a 67 beetle with 1776, with mini D 40X32 heads, they are very rare cos They are divided between cylinder and cylinder and the brand stamp show vw, can you talk to me about this heads, thanks

[@TheEZGZ]

Those are very old performance heads. They don't make them anymore because they are imbalanced and perform well only in a narrow RPM band. You would be better off with good stock head and heavy duty valve springs. All that D port stuff doesn't do a thing for ya at normal driving below 5500 rpm. Think of it this way. If they were a great head they would still be making them. It was just a fad that they tried back in the day. Some guys used swear by them and other guys swore at them. Prone to cracking around the spark plugs

[@evilbeetlekustomscreations4965]

Maybe you can help me just spent the last two years restoring the car runs fine intake valve on number four sticks open pry on it with a screwdriver it'll pop shut what would cause this? The motor is a low mile motor I just put in about 20 miles on it and went to start it the next day and that's what was causing the knocking the pushrods are all straight put a fresh rocker arm set on just in case still sticks open

[@TheEZGZ]

I've never had that happen. If everything is all stock VW parts I would look for an oil additive that claims to help with sticky valves. Maybe sitting four 2 years with junk hardening on the stem is causing drag. Sometimes just letting it run at lower RPM and get hot and then cycle it like that a few times. Tap on the valve adjuster with a plastic mallet a few times. I'd like to know if you find a cure for the problem. Thanks

[@evilbeetlekustomscreations4965]

@@TheEZGZ well I found the problem I cycled the motor around back to #4 top dead center and the valve is stuck open again it took the rocker arm off and gave it a tap on the head of the valve with a mallet it popped shut but I could grab it with my fingers and still open and close it I put my valve spring compressor on I rented and took off the valve spring and just right now I took eval spring off the donor head and the spring at least 1/2 inch longer collapse spring is 1.4 inches long and the one I took off the donor head 2 inches long

[@KennethBlair100]

1600cc air cooled- oil line blew off pump, now right bank not working-#1&#2-#1 compression@90lbs, #2@60lbs wet and dry...what is the problem, how do I fix it

[@TheEZGZ]

completely dissemble engine and inspect bearings and oil passages. It almost sounds like you have had a restricted or blocked oil passage for a long time. No easy fix on this one. I'm willing to bet you will find a blocked passage at center camshaft bearing. That is the crossover point.

[@TheEZGZ]

I assumed you ment no oil going to 1 & 2 side. Please clarify your question because I can't read minds yet. hehehe

[@MrKlink951]

would like to see an close up picture of your spark plug i have an better idea how the edge cleaned up the threads

[@TheEZGZ]

That was 3 years ago..... What were your thoughts?

[@MrKlink951]

i honestly don't know how to answer your question, but im thankful these tricks on the vw heads.

[@toniton120]

The rotating assenbly turns by hand without pistons or jugs installed. Please help!

[@TheEZGZ]

Have you figured it out yet?

[@afrabangash8425]

I am not a pro... I need help! I need to remove old engine head from Karmann Ghia '73 engine... due to spark plugs popping out... seems like bad thread or head. I have removed the entire engine out... but the muffler seems like being an obstacle. All the bolts are rusted and hard to remove. Question: do I need to remove the muffler to remove the engine head? is there any video on how to remove the engine heads? please help! my engine is out since last year. thx

[@TheEZGZ]

Afra Bangash

[@TheEZGZ]

TheEZGZ I would remove the head. I don't think I have a vid on that but here is a link to a friend of mine. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5jFmJtvqqaIa7c

[@afrasiabbangash3291]

TheEZGZ thank you Sir!!! That should get me going. I was not sure if it was ok to heat the rusted bolts.... i was scared to burn up the engine.

[@TheEZGZ]

Afrasiab Bangash Glad I could help. VWdarrin is another good VW source. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4i2mWuEecuhaZo

[@TheEZGZ]

TheEZGZ If you have gone to the trouble of removing the engine. Take the heads off and reseal the cylinders and replace the pushrod tube seals with white silicone seals. Good luck with your project

[@angelgil9527]

EZ I need some help/advice , my valves are being stubborn and do not want to come out I need your advice

[@TheEZGZ]

The groves have been worn out by the keepers. You need to take a hand file and slowly file off the burr. kzbin.info/www/bejne/a2rXqZ2CeLd4qaM

[@TheEZGZ]

Volkswagen "RACE HEAD'S ? " ShopTalk

[@angelgil9527]

TheEZGZ that's Good video and I'm sure it will help me on my journey but it's actually my rocker arm stand that is stuck.its the right stand on the passenger side of the car. I hope you have answer for it

[@TheEZGZ]

Sometimes you need to use force. You might try prying from the ends gently alternating sides. Be careful if you are on the gasket surface you don't want to have the valve covers leaking. You definitely have a problem and I would be diligent about finding out what it is if you plan on reusing those parts. I can't really say because I am not there. This is all part of the learning curve. I run into this stuff all the time. You just have to decide which step you want to try next based on the tools you have. Sometimes a little heat will expand the metal and it will release but that would be a last resort. Look at it this way. It's broken and your fixing it. You may have to spend money to fix it ether way. It's always a bit painful to teach yourself and sometimes costs more than paying someone else to do it.

[@angelgil9527]

TheEZGZ OK I like the advice, thank you

[@theedrstrangelove]

If you can't get Bosch plugs, try NHK.

[@TheEZGZ]

How about NGK

[@businessandpoliticsinswede3138]

I don't understand what he was doing to the sparkplug. :(

[@TheEZGZ]

By Cutting the groove in an old plug you can screw it into a damaged head spark plug hole and straighten them out. There by saving the damaged head.

[@businessandpoliticsinswede3138]

Thanks for answering, but I really don't understand exactly how that is done.

[@225grasshopper225]

Thank you if it's short then I need to???

[@TheEZGZ]

try 1 1/2 turns and a 1/4 turn may make a big difference. Just sayin since every set up is different and you need to learn a bit on your own. if your going to run dual carbs you may as well start learning to trouble shoot them.

[@225grasshopper225]

Thanks for your help Jay

[@shaneorndorff452]

do you live in florida ez

[@TheEZGZ]

Loveland Colorado

[@kevinbrislawn5918]

what are you doing

[@TheNetoc2]

Enseña le a los youtobers novatos quien es el mejor

[@joemurphy5857]

Many years ago, and I mean many, I had a VW van that had a crack in the head. It kept blowing out the spark plug. I had rebuilt many VWs by this time so I knew what had happened. What I did was use a pipe plug tap and a pipe plug. I drilled out the pipe plug and threaded it for a spark plug. I then taped the spark plug hole for the pipe plug. Screwed the plug in and and drove that van for years.

[@mamabragg]

Trick no 1 No . Where is the crap going to go ?

[@TheEZGZ]

What little might get pushed into the engine will blow right out of the exhaust valve. Don't forget there is a violent explosion in there every time it fires. I've never had any issues.

[@spitfeueranna]

I took the air filter off my VW to clean it, and it rained and water went straight down into the engine, even with the hood fully closed, and locked up the engine. I will never buy a Volkswagen ever again.

[@TheEZGZ]

+An Anna I don't blame you a bit. I sometimes wish I would have gone a different direction. Create a great weekend.

[@kaascake]

+An Anna Remove the spark plugs, Pour marvel mystery oil into every cylinder, Leave it overnight, and then the next day turn the engine over by hand a few times; then fire her up

[@spitfeueranna]

Don Rodrigo lol thanks, that vw is long gone. I've learned a few things since then.. today I'd do the same thing but with PB blaster instead. We did try to unfreeze it by pulling with a tractor and putting it in gear but that didn't work.