Former VWDieselParts.com Forum

Okay, the Rabbit has bore offspring....a 1981 VW pickup w/ 1.6L NA. I was told that the head gasket is blown. Now, with out taking the valve cover off, if the engine is original, am I correct in understanding that this 1.6L diesel SHOULD have 11mm head bolts? Is there any other way to ID the block if it is a 11mm or 12mm 1.6L....casting number??? Other?

I prob. paid too much for it....$500 for a non runner...but 99.0% is there.

An easy way to tell if it's an 11mm block is the head number usually has a B after it. 373B
An F head is a 12mm usually.

Fatmobile wrote:An easy way to tell if it's an 11mm block is the head number usually has a B after it. 373B
An F head is a 12mm usually.

Thank you. Next silly question , where is said casting number hiding? (Knowing my luck, it'll be behind the FI pump...)

It is behind the pump but high enough to be easily seen, above the injectors.

Heads can be swapped so another good way to tell and probably more accurate is to open the oil fill hole and look for a head bolt,.. 11mm usually has a hex head,.. but owners sometimes use gasser triplesquare bolts when doing a headgasket.

The block code is near the head gasket notches and is the most accurate way to tell,
I can't remember the 11mm block code.
CK? maybe.

Dang Rabbits! I was always told they multiply quickly! Now I have three total! Over the summer, I picked up another WV Rabbit diesel pickup w/ a 1.6L. It has head gasket issues too, a few body issues, but hopefully nothing too big.... Looks like the rear bumper support was hit at some point, bed inside got pushed up. Got the whole thing for $300.00

My first VW pickup, still in the works.....just got the head studs ordered (yes, I take a long time). Lots of stuff, lots of projects....no time....

a diesel pickup for $300 is a steal if the strut towers are solid and no other structural rust issues. Crappy ones sell here for over 2000. Good luck with the project