head gasket please heeeelllpppp..........

hi guys
just been told my head gasket has gone.just wondering if any one knows of any suppliers of the cillinder head as been told VW do not do them anymor for mk1's….bummer…any help would be more than appreciated.
Cheers guys :wink:
 ben

you said the head gasket has gone, whats up with the head ?
if the gasket blew at speed it might be warped or cracked, but these can be welded and reskimmed fairly cheap, i had a head done recently ( skimmed only ) at a place in croydon ?40

im not totall sure.i should find out today this morning.the garage just told me it would be better to get cillinder head as new incase it is very corroded on my engine

my experience of garages is they dont repair anything only replace with new ( easier and makes more money ! ) and they mostly havnt got a clue when it comes to old vw 's, get a 2nd opinion

They've more than likely diagnosed the head gasket right. The problem for a garage is that they're responsible for any work done on the car. For example, if you supplied a secondhand part and asked them to fit it, they're still responsible for it. Having said that, you can check the head for cracks and distortion, check the bucket tappets are okay, the valve guides are within limit, the springs are not broken and replace the valve stem seals. Also valve seats can be checked and reconditioned.

So, taking it to a garage will cost much more but you'll get more for your money - basically a top end rebuild on the engine.

Thanks guys.appreciate the advice.
Does any one know of any good sites/stores that sell a new cillinder head?apparently vw suppliers dont supply them anymore and id rather buy the head ect and possibly take to garage instead