2.0 Head Gasket delete? Options

[torakki]

I've read where it's a good idea to remove the head gaskets and re-assemble without them. Something about, they crush and cause an issue. Is there anything else you need to do or change, in their place? Like a different head design?
Thanks

[Nogoodwithusernames]

Some various ponderings on this topic.

-So we have various options of copper gaskets and aluminum gaskets for a lot of automotive applications. What is the difference between using a separate copper head gasket or using the aluminum head as its own gasket? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

-The T1 doesn't use a head gaskets, the T4 cylinder to head connection is basically identical. Why does one require a gasket and not the other?

-Why can't my local auto machine shop cut heads flat? Sure you might get someone being lazy on a Friday afternoon, but can I not measure them and verify prior to assembly that everything is as it should be?

-Also nobody has said what the actual differences are between the engines in the bulletin and those not mentioned?

Not to stir the pot or anything (IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif)

[wonkipop]

Some various ponderings on this topic.

-So we have various options of copper gaskets and aluminum gaskets for a lot of automotive applications. What is the difference between using a separate copper head gasket or using the aluminum head as its own gasket? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/idea.gif)

-The T1 doesn't use a head gaskets, the T4 cylinder to head connection is basically identical. Why does one require a gasket and not the other?

-Why can't my local auto machine shop cut heads flat? Sure you might get someone being lazy on a Friday afternoon, but can I not measure them and verify prior to assembly that everything is as it should be?

-Also nobody has said what the actual differences are between the engines in the bulletin and those not mentioned?

Not to stir the pot or anything (IMG:style_emoticons/default/stirthepot.gif)

similarly not to stir the pot but simply to point something out, and why i am inclined to agree with @ClayPerrine .

the type1 (and type 3 pancake version) have magnesium cases.

the type 4 has an aluminium case (apart from the very early V engines of 1968/9 not sold in the USA).

it all could have something to do with thermal expansion of engine.
not quite sure how.

bear in mind back in the late 70s and 80s i was taught by my german mechanic to disconnect the auto chokes in my type 3 and gently warm the engine for at least 5 minutes from cold.
then drive off. this gave the engine a chance to reach its proper dimensions before stressing it. magnesium has a greater rate of thermal growth and expansion than aluminum. the old type 1 engine had quite a few different alloys in it and was designed to be self sealing at engine operating temp. when cold not quite so. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

i was also trained or schooled to let it idle after a long highway drive on hot days for about 5 minutes to allow it to cool itself down a little before switching off.

with an aluminium engine case its a whole different kettle of fish. or at minimum slightly different to the type 1.

i am sure VW would have had a reason for the gaskets in the type 4.

possibly with expert machining they can be deleted but likely in the form they came from the factory with engineered tolerances they are meant to be there. i'm thinking they perform a role when the engine is stone cold rather than warmed to operating temp.

mind you thats just a guess off a hunch. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/confused24.gif)