Checking valve springs (VW Golf 2)

It should be remembered that valve springs from engines with hydraulic tappets cannot be used in other engines, as they are shorter. For identification, they are marked on the side with blue paint.

To check the characteristics of the springs, special equipment is required. If there is no such equipment, then you can compare the removed spring with the new one. Both springs should be put on a long bolt through washers and compressed by turning the nut with approximately the same force. If the old spring is subjected to greater compression, this indicates that it has become tired, which requires mandatory replacement of the entire set of springs. Install the springs one by one on a flat surface (for example on glass) with the coil pressed down. Apply an iron square to the springs. The deviation of the upper coil from the square should not exceed 2.0 mm. A greater value indicates a curvature of the spring and requires replacement of the entire set.

The original text is available on the website: VWmanual.ru