Deck height, What went wrong? Options

[DavidSweden]

I am rebuilding my 2.0 engine

This evening I installed #4 cylinder & piston (with new rings). I then tightened the cylinder down onto the case to measure the deck height.
The deck height came to 0.2mm which is 0.008". as I understand it the deck height should be about 1mm (0.04").
I have installed new crank bearings, the piston and cylinder are original, the shim under the cylinder is the same thickness as the original shim.

The deck height should be the same as before the rebuild shouldn't it? Anyhow the deck height seem very small.

Advice appreciated

[Al Meredith]

Do search and see if you can find a note from Jake with a copy of a VW letter advising to leave the head casket off. VW type 1's don't use one . I haven't used one in years . The increase in compressing ratio will give you about 5+ % more HP.

[DavidSweden]

Do search and see if you can find a note from Jake with a copy of a VW letter advising to leave the head casket off. VW type 1's don't use one . I haven't used one in years . The increase in compressing ratio will give you about 5+ % more HP.

Al,

I have seen the letter, I know this is quite a hot potato. I will go with the gasket but I know that many are against it. I have a 912 there is no head gasket but the head mating surface is to a higher spec (in my opinion). I dont want to risk of lapping the cylinders/head as I am not sure it will be square. Do you have any advice regarding lapping?