Cracks on valve spring retainer

[gmac78]

Hi guys,

Currently got the head off the S2 giving it some TLC before my turbo upgrade. Last night i started removing the exhaust valves to lap them in and found two cracks on the top side this spring retainer, no sign of the cracks passing through to the underside. So far the rest have been ok with no visible cracks.

Should i replace this retainer or are these stress cracks fairly typical?

Cheers

[SteveH]

I've not seen that on any of the heads I've stripped

I would replace any that look to be damaged before rebuilding.

[gmac78]

Hi Steve,

I'm beginning to wonder was it me that caused the cracks by tapping the retainer with a 13mm socket to loosen off the collets? I've tapped all the other ones in the same fashion and they're ok?

How do you loosen off the collets when stuck?

Don't suppose you have old one retainers lying around? Not sure can they be bought separately?

Cheers

[UrS4boy]

Hi guys, found two cracks on the top side this spring retainer, no sign of the cracks passing through to the underside. So far the rest have been ok with no visible cracks. Cheers

I presume this is Item 15, top. PN 027109641 very common to both Audi and VW valve trains. Dealers should have them in stock.

[gmac78]

Yeh item 15, just going to phone dealerships shortly to see they're still available.

[UrS4boy]

Yeh item 15, just going to phone dealerships shortly to see they're still available.

My availability checker says that they are. Same PN 027109641 for both Audi and VW.

http://genuineaudiparts.com/parts/in...&siteid=214407

[SteveH]

I have a load of them spare if you need any.

[gmac78]

Cheers Steve, i phoned a dealership and they're not sure if they can still be bought as had none showing up on their system?? Hmmm. They sent an email to head office so waiting on a reply.