# Westphalia head replacement

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/westphalia-head-replacement/81789>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** volkswagen\
**Created:** [October 15, 2013, 1:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/westphalia-head-replacement/81789 "2013-10-15T01:54:52Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Mudbay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a4c791/32.png) [@Mudbay](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Mudbay)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2013, 1:54am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/westphalia-head-replacement/81789/1 "2013-10-15T01:54:52Z")

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Can someone tell me the “standard” replacement needs when doing a head replacement on an '87 Westy camper? Heads and gasket set - but what else should really be done if everything else seemed OK when the head gave out? Is it true that refurbished/reconditioned heads are not worth saving money (i.e., one should only install new heads?

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**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2013, 1:56am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/westphalia-head-replacement/81789/2 "2013-10-15T01:56:06Z")

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Have you asked over at TheSamba and VWVortex Westy boards?

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**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2013, 2:29am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/westphalia-head-replacement/81789/3 "2013-10-15T02:29:54Z")

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@Mudbay

While I’m no VW expert, this is what else I would recommend

Thermostat  
Radiator cap  
Water pump (assuming it’s got some miles on it, now is the time to do it)  
Timing belt if the motor has one  
Timing belt tensioner  
Timing belt idler  
Cam seals  
Crank seal

Put a straight edge on the block and make sure it’s not warped

Make sure the head bolts haven’t stretched past their limit . . . if in doubt, replace them

I know this may seem excessive, but if you’re going to be removing the timing belt and head, now is a good time to do that other stuff

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**Author:** ![ok4450](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9bcb4/32.png) [@ok4450](https://community.cartalk.com/u/ok4450)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2013, 3:48am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/westphalia-head-replacement/81789/4 "2013-10-15T03:48:51Z")

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If severe overheating was involved then there’s a good chance of piston ring damage which can translate into oil consumption.

Replacing the heads with new or rebuilt may not solve all problems.

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**Author:** ![db4690](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/db4690/32/2583_2.png) [@db4690](https://community.cartalk.com/u/db4690)\
**Post date:** [October 15, 2013, 5:26am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/westphalia-head-replacement/81789/5 "2013-10-15T05:26:33Z")

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@Mudbay

“the head gave out” . . . please elaborate

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**Author:** ![MikeInNH](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a587f6/32.png) [@MikeInNH](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MikeInNH)\
**Post date:** [October 16, 2013, 12:09am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/westphalia-head-replacement/81789/6 "2013-10-16T00:09:11Z")

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I haven’t done much major engine work in a while…but what @db4690 said is probably very close.

As for if you should use new or used heads…DEFINITELY use rebuilt/used. There is no reason what-so-ever to use new heads. In fact a used head(s) may be better.