2.8 vm diesel

[Kingy1961]

Ello all
New to this forum.
I have a kj with a 2.8 vm engine
Bought it as a project with cyl head removef
Can any one tell me if the cyl head can be faced ?
I have noticed it has the maximum thickness head gasket already.
I would like to surface head b4 assembling.

Thanks

[Lancer]

I recall reading somewhere that the head shouldn't be skimmed, because the face has a coating of some kind. Having said that, I did read it in a post on one of the Jeep forums, so that could be total cobblers!

I'd suggest emailing VM in Italy to ask, or alternatively the VM specialist in Chesterfield UK (if they are still in business).

[layback40]

The head can not be resurfaced as it has a hard coating on it. Many engine reconditioners are not aware of this. Why do you wish to resurface the head?

[Deezelweazel]

As layback says! There is a coating on the head.
Aftermarket heads do not have that coating- therefore the price difference.

"VM specialist in Chesterfield UK"

He is not a VM specialist nor authorized dealer. Stay away.
JNL, DUNN and Emergency Diesel Services are listed as OE dealer in southern UK, but no "Specialist".
Go to the VM motori website in Italy to find out a reliable source.

I noticed several people being ripped off for unnecessary work.
Your choice.

[glend]

Be aware that there are three different head gasket used on the VM2.8. When you order a new gasket you need to specify the thickness. Thus us determined by three tabs located on the right rear of the old gasket. If you do not have the old gasket as a reference, I have no idea how you would determine the correct replacement.
Secondly, you can still buy complete replacement heads for the VM2.8, but they are not cheap. VM Specialist UK might be able to provide them, you would need to email them. VM Italy may also provide info. There are a few VM parts distributors in Australia but you need to know exactly what your ordering, there was one in the Hunter Valley area of NSW, Cessnock I believe.
A wrecker might be another option to source a head, but again make sure you know which gasket you need to order if just buying a head from them.

Finally, I do not know where the poster above (from Germany) gets his information, but VM Specialist UK (George) has been supplying parts and timing kits to Australian buyers for over a decade. I myself, bought a timing belt kit from George, at a very reasonable price. His connection with VM rises from his servicing of VM engine powered London taxis. As suggested, email them.

A quick internet search found this head for sale from a US supplier:

https://shop.sasquatchparts.com/prod...erty-2-8l-crd/