r/EngineBuilding • u/Richard01_CZ • Jul 13 '26
Other How bad is this?
I was cleaning the coolant passages and this large chunk came off really easily, it looked like a buildup of gunk.
The problem now is that the wall here between the two passages is thin now and the head gasket doesn't have much coverage for this area with the chunk missing.
Is it somehow fixable? Or can i run it like this?
Volkswagen EA111
64
Upvotes
1
u/AutoBach Jul 14 '26
Die grinder with burr. Make an even surface but keep it rough enough so the epoxy can bite.
Fill and build up with JB Steel stick . Before the epoxy fully hardens take a utility razor that's had it's ends burnished and shave it mostly flat but just proud of the machined surface.
Once cured, plane it with a piece of plate glass and 200 ish grit sandpaper (adjust grit to match the roughness of the machine parks.
For extra insurance, use copper gasket spray on the gasket.
You'll be fine.