Phil is probably overstating the case here.

Lapping the heads is an extra step take to *ensure* that the head/cylinder
interface mates perfectly.  With a properly machined head and a properly
machined cylinder it shouldn't *really* be necessary; after all VW didn't
lap each cylinder into each head as part of the manufacturing process and
most of their engines came of the assembly line running more-or-less OK.

You can really only lap the cylinders to the heads if you've removed the
cylinders from the case because you've got to be able to rotate the cylinder
in its related head.  I'm only thinking about it because I've got everything
apart.  The cylinders are new and the heads are in good shape (one an AVP
"reman" and one "new" with less that 1,000 miles on it) so this process may
be "gilding the lily" at this point.  But, I've got the time and I don't
have to have the engine in the vehicle tomorrow, so I may just go ahead and
do it.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Tom Young                       '81 Vanagon
Lafayette, CA 94549         '82 Westfalia
---------------------------------------------------------------
----- Original Message -----
From: "Paul Archibald" <androbus@YAHOO.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, March 23, 2003 6:47 PM
Subject: Re: Lapping cylinders to heads?

> ???????no comprende!!!!!!!
> I've never heard of lapping the heads to cylinders.
> could you clarify? if it's needed on the type 4 engine I
> need to know before putting the heads back on when I am
> finished with the repairs to them...never done on the older
> engines...
>
> Paul
>
> --- phil cain <bearsvw2000@YAHOO.COM> wrote:
> > Go ahead and skip lapping the heads to the cylinder
> > one time and you could find out what I found out(20
> > years ago), it makes a loud chirping noise telling you
> > that it must be taken apart and done correctly, in
> > other words lap them in and have peace of mind, when
> > you get the heads on and torqued hook up air pressure
> > 120-130 PSI to the cylinders(spark plug hole with air
> > adapter) and make sure that no air leaks from around
> > the heads or valve seats. Just my two cents worth. Phil
> >
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>
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