Do you have factory repair mauals, Peter?  Any help there on what kinds of cracks might be normal or permissible?  My friend was freaking out over the same kinds of cracks in his VW Tdi head until he took it to a factory repair station and they showed him the factory specs of how many cracks and how wide a gap in the cracks was considered normal.

I'll try and remember to check my 617A manual tomorrow and see if it says anything about permissible cracks.  Maybe ask AMZ.  I know he's had his apart for head work before.

JMO, but I'd suspect leaks between valve and seat for causing low compression more so than small cracks in the head.  But further investigation is warranted.

I wonder if an inquiry to Metric Motors would yield any results.  You could indicate to them that you're thinking of sending your head in for refurbishment and were wondering if the cracks you see would make it unfit for same.  Just a thought.  Maybe ask them what rules they use to disqualify a head based on cracks.

And if the cracks are really the culprit, I wouldn't try to repair it.  Good refurbished ones are still easy enough to get that it's not worth trying to weld it and risking another, maybe worse, failure later if the weld comes out.  Also JMO.  I think the full rebuilt head with new valves, springs, guides, seats, etc is like $850 US from Metric.  Expensive, but not prohibitively so. (I know you'd then have to get it to ZA, but the price is just for comparo)

All the best,

-Dave G.

I have a head on the motor from the parts truck (300GD) I bought.  I haven't had the head off, but I don't havea  use for it.  What do you know about shipping here to there?  Do you think it would be worth it?  Since new fully re-furbished heads for these are $850 here, and "cores" about $250, I'd probably go $500 for this one if you want it and it turns out to be good.  Look into shipping if you like and see if you want me to pull it and send some pix.  If you'd rather have the whole long block (incl pump), that's available too, say $1000 US.

Of course AMZ is trying to get me to travel to ZA this year....maybe I can pack a 617 in the luggage, eh? 

-Dave G.