AMB heads?

[jkat]

So i have an AMB engine with what I suspect to be a cracked head. I hear this is a common problem for these engines... is there an alternative? do any other heads fit the AMB engine and aren't prone to cracking? I know the answer is probably a no but I'm new to this and am not sure. Thanks!

[Seerlah]

AWM Audi A4 and Volkswagen Passat

[jkat]

do those have any better of a reputation? or are they just compatible?

[3 bar]

Yes much better. I swapped one on my Avant

[jkat]

Great! Will keep that in mine if i need to get new ones. Thanks!

[3 bar]

You could probably pull one from the yard for about 80 bucks. Just make sure that the engine hasn't snapped a belt or is sludged up cause quite a few in the yard do.

[fR3ZNO]

do those have any better of a reputation? or are they just compatible?

Just to clarify, not all AMB heads are prone to cracking. I believe there was a supplier change for AMB heads that was of lesser quality than the original VAG manufacturer. Can't recall the name off the top of my head, but an AWM head from the junkyard would be a safe bet. In fact, my friend's '05 B6, which should have an AMB head, has an AWM head on it. No record of it being done in PO records, but interesting nonetheless.

[16vCorey]

You can really use just about any other 1.8t head. I put an AWW head on mine when the AMB head cracked.

[walky_talky20]

What you want is any "small port" 1.8T head that bears the "Germany" casting. Because Germany is where Audi's come from.

If the head bears the "Coscast" logo, that would be the inferior version that is thinner and prone to warping and cracking and such things.

Good Stuff:


Not Good Stuff:

Really Not Good Stuff:

[BARRY]

are the non-germany heads remans? what vehicles from what countries did they come from?

[walky_talky20]

Coscast heads were original equipment on some 1.8T's starting in 2002 on A4's and other 1.8T cars like Jetta's around that time. I'm not certain about what type the Audi/VW replacement heads would be, but probably a mix just like production.

[fR3ZNO]

Coscast heads were original equipment on some 1.8T's starting in 2002 on A4's and other 1.8T cars like Jetta's around that time. I'm not certain about what type the Audi/VW replacement heads would be, but probably a mix just like production.

Coscast was the name I was thinking of!

[Furly]

i have an 05 USP and the GERMANY stamped head cracked.

its an AMB issue. swap with a B5 head and call it a day. i went with AEB head because i built the motor and used an AEB manifold and deleted a bunch of things. it's the only head you will really need to do modifications to make it work. otherwise any B5 or 1.8T head should slap right on. also make sure you swap the cam chain tensioner over to your replacement head and do NOT swap over cam caps because the cam caps have oil feed guides on them that will not line up with other heads. use the cam caps that came with the head you purchased .

[BARRY]

that is if its a small port B5 head...the big port B5 head doesn't have the EGR (Combi valve) port.

[walky_talky20]

i have an 05 USP and the GERMANY stamped head cracked. its an AMB issue.

This is good information. Not many people report which version failed on their AMB.

It's my theory that, even when equipped with the better head, the AMB's temperature control strategy (electronically governed thermostat, aka "mapped cooling system") contributes to the cylinder head failures. It commands quick temperature swings when transitioning between light and heavy load requests and the mechanical t-stat temp setpoint is significantly higher than a traditional t-stat. Basically, I think it works the head to death over time. But it's just a theory.

[old guy]

Your theory sounds reasonable to me.

Typically, whenever I drive I am monitoring my rear CTS output along with a lot of other parameters on my cell phone with TorquePro. It's not at all unusual to see temperature swings from 218° when steady state driving to as low as 178° when pulling up a long hill. That is a significant variation that can occur in just three or four minutes.

My 2.0T stays pretty much between 198° and 204°. Quite the difference between a mapped versus non-mapped cooling system.

[BARRY]

is the 1.8T thermostat not mapped? i thought it was?

[old guy]

is the 1.8T thermostat not mapped? i thought it was?

Yep. 1.8T B6 utilizes a mapped cooling system. The 2.0T in my A5 does not.

[fR3ZNO]

Yep. 1.8T B6 utilizes a mapped cooling system. The 2.0T in my A5 does not.

Interesting that the 2.0T doesn't have the mapped system. Perhaps VW/Audi recognized this as an issue with the AMB head cracking and removed the feature.

[EuroxS4]

I got a AMB with 490k and have no issues.Or ever had, and I owned the car since it had 60k miles.As long as you maintain the car and make repairs when needed instead of waiting.Everything will be alright.

[Tone-Dogg]

I got a AMB with 490k and have no issues.Or ever had, and I owned the car since it had 60k miles.As long as you maintain the car and make repairs when needed instead of waiting.Everything will be alright.

Wow 490k, very impressive... Nice.

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[BARRY]

I got a AMB with 490k and have no issues.Or ever had, and I owned the car since it had 60k miles.As long as you maintain the car and make repairs when needed instead of waiting.Everything will be alright.

would this be the highest mileage b6 on the planet? you should request a plaque from Audi of America. Mercedes/AMG offers these once you hit 150k and higher.

[Gunnarrrrr]

I got a AMB with 490k and have no issues.Or ever had, and I owned the car since it had 60k miles.As long as you maintain the car and make repairs when needed instead of waiting.Everything will be alright.

Odometer pics or it didn't happen

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[EuroxS4]

She’s a little dirty.But then again she currently getting the ignition coil harness replaced.But she a work horse hasn’t left me stranded yet!!!


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