EA71 Swapping Passenger Side Head

[spicypeanut]

So the motor in my brat as some of you may be aware, the passenger side head has a valve stem sticking through it. I want to remove the entire head assembly and inspect the carnage before I actually pull the motor out and I have a few questions. 

1. Do I need to drain the motor oil before I remove the head?

2. If there is no damage to the cylinder and or piston can I just swap out the entire head assembly with a known good piece without any settings or adjustments (besides torquing down the actual head)?

3. How much volume of oil is this motor supposed to take? I put just under 2 quarts in it and the dipstick is nearly full.

Thanks in advance. I would check my manual but of-course, the PO didn't have it anymore.

[Leeroy]

1. Do I need to drain the motor oil before I remove the head?

 

It is not a necessity to remove the oil but if you are taking the engine out anyway it is a simple, additional, step. The oil will leak out if the engine is not kept perfectly level. 

 

2. If there is no damage to the cylinder and or piston can I just swap out the entire head assembly with a known good piece without any settings or adjustments (besides torquing down the actual head)?

 

I have never just removed one head, although I suppose it can be done. Technically you should re-do both heads (and have the surface of the heads machined flat). The valves have to be adjusted once the head job is done, as you would do if you were only re-torquing the heads.

 

3. How much volume of oil is this motor supposed to take? I put just under 2 quarts in it and the dipstick is nearly full.

 

There is certainly more than 2 quarts of oil in the engine (including filter), I cannot remember exactly (my manuals are not in front of me ATM) but it is something like 3.5 to 4.5 litres so that would be more like 4 quarts.

 

I am sure someone else can comment on the correct oil capacity.

Edited January 7, 2014 by Leeroy

[moosens]

Yeah , something like 3.89 US quarts ....

 

If you are going to remove the head , you will of course have to remove the intake. To avoid a bit of coolant getting the job messy you can drain the heads and thereby the intake manifold too , by removing the allen head plug underside of the head. Just draining at the lower radiator hose doesn't cut it. There will still be coolant above and in the head.

 

I know we all try to avoid extra work but you really need to do this right. Take the advice above and expect to need some time to get it all done.

 

Good luck. Headgaskets are available from "drivesubies" who is Danny W. Also known as "dannybreadman" on eBay where you'll find the factory headgaskets and more.

[spicypeanut]

Thank you both, I was trying to swap the head out without actually pulling the motor out of the car. But it sounds like I might need to do just that. I've got a full gasket set on the way already so if things are really bad I will just do a complete rebuild. Thank you for answering my questions, you've both been very helpful.

-V