# Is a used cylinder head okay?

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-a-used-cylinder-head-okay/38198>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** jetta, volkswagen\
**Created:** [October 16, 2009, 11:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-a-used-cylinder-head-okay/38198 "2009-10-16T23:04:22Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 5\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![christyinkansas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ccd318/32.png) [@christyinkansas](https://community.cartalk.com/u/christyinkansas)\
**Post date:** [October 16, 2009, 11:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-a-used-cylinder-head-okay/38198/1 "2009-10-16T23:04:22Z")

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Is it okay to have a used cylinder head installed in my 2001 Volkswagen Jetta or would you recommend a new part. I don’t have a lot of money.

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**Author:** ![andrew\_j](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/91b2a8/32.png) [@andrew\_j](https://community.cartalk.com/u/andrew_j)\
**Post date:** [October 16, 2009, 11:10pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-a-used-cylinder-head-okay/38198/2 "2009-10-16T23:10:35Z")

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On an older car it makes a lot of sense especially with a limited budget.

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**Author:** ![Roadrunner](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d2c977/32.png) [@Roadrunner](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Roadrunner)\
**Post date:** [October 16, 2009, 11:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-a-used-cylinder-head-okay/38198/3 "2009-10-16T23:38:39Z")

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Not a problem, BUT before you install it, have a shop check the head for a true surface.

Make certain it is not warped. When you pick it up at the recycle yard or wherever, have the seller put in writing you will be able to return it if the head is warped.

Some heads if too severely warped are not planeable.

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**Author:** ![MG-McAnick](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mg-mcanick/32/188_2.png) [@MG-McAnick](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MG-McAnick)\
**Post date:** [October 17, 2009, 4:15am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-a-used-cylinder-head-okay/38198/4 "2009-10-17T04:15:48Z")

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I don’t know which of five possible engines your Jetta has,but look at [www.car-part.com](http://www.car-part.com) for a cylinder head (or complete engine, I read your other post too) near you. Used parts are usually not a problem, but the timing belt should be changed regardless of which way you go. Of course the dealer will tell you the method that will make him the most money.

If you are in Wichita, I recommend Peniston Automotive on East Central, ask for Steve, Yost Automotive on East 2nd, ask for Russ, or reasonably good free advice from Fine Line Auto on South Broadway, ask for Chuck. Fine Line doesn’t work on VWs, but will probably know someone who does, cheap.

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**Author:** ![jtsanders](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c2a13f/32.png) [@jtsanders](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jtsanders)\
**Post date:** [October 17, 2009, 6:28pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/is-a-used-cylinder-head-okay/38198/5 "2009-10-17T18:28:05Z")

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A used head should be fine. When I replaced the head on my 1970 Austin America, I also replaced the springs and valves. You might ask the shop that machines the head how much a full top end job would cost.