What head can I use on MF engine

[rjkuljis]

Hi, I have an engine with code MF. I am looking for a head for this. What other engines have heads that would fit? Does anyone know a source for a good rebuilt head? This is in my VW rabbit pickup but the engine code looks like it is from a 88-91 golf or jetta turbo. Any info or advice is appreciated.
Thank you!

[TylerDurden]

You can put any 1.6 hydraulic lifter head on it. The stock turbo heads are better, if you can find one.

[rjkuljis]

You can put any 1.6 hydraulic lifter head on it. The stock turbo heads are better, if you can find one.

Anyone know where I can get a turbo head for this?



I am getting conflicting info on this. So the head that was on the engine was a mechanical head. The head and the number four piston were toast when I got this. My mechanic says any hydraulic or mechanical 1.6 head will work. Talking to an engine rebuilder I am told to stay with the type of head that was on it and that mechanical and hydraulic heads are not exchangeable. So now I am confused . What is the truth ?

[82vdub]

You can try Jack, the owner of this forum at www.vwdieselparts.com

[rjkuljis]

You can put any 1.6 hydraulic lifter head on it. The stock turbo heads are better, if you can find one.

I am getting conflicting info on this. So the head that was on the engine was a mechanical head. The head and the number four piston were toast when I got this. My mechanic says any hydraulic or mechanical 1.6 head will work. Talking to an engine rebuilder I am told to stay with the type of head that was on it and that mechanical and hydraulic heads are not exchangeable. So now I am confused . What is the truth ?

[TylerDurden]

Sorry, I thought the engine was a later (post-'86) MF. Some earlier MFs had solid lifters.

Stay away from anyone that says they are directly interchangeable. The hydros have an additional port for oil and/or crankcase vapor.



The head or block would need modification (blocking ports ) to interchange.

[82vdub]

As tylerdurden said, stick with the same head. If your head has a mechanical lifters in it, get a mechanical head, and if it has a hydraulic lifters in it, get a hydro head.

[rjkuljis]

Thanks for that info!
I am a little concerned now as the mechanic said that either would work, but he did mention additional work would be needed for one or the other.

The engine also needs the number four piston replaced. I was able to find new OEM pistons sold individually, but they are .5mm over. So I am guessing this means that the cylinder would have to be honed to fit the oversized piston and if so is this something that can be done with the engine in the vehicle or would it need to be removed and taken to a machine shop? I guess the other option would be to find a good used piston?

[rjkuljis]

I meant to say he did not mention any additional work for the hydraulic vs mech

[Fatmobile]

They do make a machine that can hone an engine while still in the bay.
And so little is taken off you are often better honing it to size than having a cutting bit skipping across a surface that's too thin.
But you don't get to clean all the shavings and honing dust gets left that will wear down your new engine rebuild.