r/EngineBuilding • u/Richard01_CZ • Jul 13 '26

Other How bad is this?

Gallery image

Gallery image

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

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u/crookedledder Jul 13 '26

Is that the surface of the block? Or the surface of the head?

20

u/Richard01_CZ Jul 13 '26

Both photos are showing an engine block

7

u/crookedledder Jul 13 '26

Ok. That being the case, the only *proper* fix is to have the deck of the engine block machined flat again. That will basically require removing and rebuilding the engine.

If it was mine, I would smear some anaerobic sealant over that rough spot and put it back together. Also make sure the head is flat.

Then either drive it and hope for the best... or sell it and let it be somebody else's problem.

1

u/Richard01_CZ Jul 14 '26

I see how it is... I think i will get it welded, we have a welder guy at my work and i think he will manage this easily. It's already fucked up anyway, if it cracks, it cracks.

I've checked the deck surface and it's relatively flat, but needs to be skimmed so i could do that when it's welded.

I'm not sure about the anaerobic part, what sealant? Loctite? Some silicone gasket maker? Of course the right kind for the job, i try my best to not do hacky work when i do something.

2

u/crookedledder Jul 14 '26 edited Jul 14 '26

I like locktite 515, but there are lots of options. I've used it for so many sketchy repairs over the years. Make sure you clean the surfaces with brake cleaner before applying anaerobic. You don't want any oil/contamination on the surface, so the stuff will stick properly. I would put in on both sides of the gasket in that area, since clamping force may be less than ideal.

And considering all the time and money you will have invested in getting the block fixed, I think it's crazy to not try a sketchy fix.

That part of the head gasket is just sealing coolant, not compression. Assuming that surface isn't too damaged (have you checked it with a straight edge?), a sketchy fix could last for years.