At 01:31 3/31/98 -0800, you wrote:
>Tonite I pulled the head to find the intake valve on #3 had seized on the
>guide in the open position. There is a nice chunk chiseled into the #3 piston
>as well. I guess the valve seized and got repeatedly rammed by the up coming
>piston.
>
>So, now I am left with a few options. Does anyone know how smashing an intake
>valve will affect things like the rods and crank bearings? I figure it cannot
>be too good for the rod on #3 to have smacked the top of the cycle with enough
>force to chip the top of the piston. Anyway, any suggestions will help
>me decide between a rebuilt engine, doing a top end rebuild myself (this
>time buying reputable rebuilt heads), and an inline 4 swap (I suppose) for
>the red syncro...
>
>dave

The safest route is to replace the affected rod, period. THey can be subtly
bent and cause wear and noise even though they look straight. At least have
the rod checked for bends.

Chuck Kuecker

ckuecker@mcs.net

'83 Scirocco (Katy's car now)
'58 Ghia Convert
'75 Bug
'67 Bug
'63 Bug (*still* for sale)
'91 Vanagon