Ok, since I have your attention, I have the head off the 90 Jetta I recently bought, and I can see why head gaskets could be an issue! not much room between holes. Since I have the head off, what do I do? Was planning to take it to a machine shop to be checked for warpage, and cracks, what else should be done while it is out?
TIA,
Norm

check the head to be straigth, replace valve inner rubbers (these two will be done by a shop), replace intake manifold, exhaust manifold, head cover and head gaskets. Also, replace timing belt and tensioner, camshaft and crankshaft seals. Rotor, rotor cap and spark wires along with the sprk plugs also a BIG plus. after this you shouldn't have to in there again in a big while. Had one myslef a while a go (89 GLI, 2000, 16V, DOCH) great machine. I have factory service manuals and a bunch of information. Let me know what you need and I'll try to help.

good luck <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Mike

Toubleshoot the prob "How many miles, could it be the cause of over heating that the head gasket blew"?,RAD,WATER PUMP,???WHY DID THE HEAD GASKET LET GO??? Pressure test rad, replace pump & main hoses /w thrmostat.Let us know what you've dun & miles?BUDWEISER & JUDAS PREIST! It's so refreshing!!
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />