two90s

I purchased a used '04 BHF engine recently with the intent to replace the timing guides. The previous owner had work done on the drivers side head, and whoever did the work lost, or left off, the E4 Cam Cap. What are my options? I believe the caps are line bored on the head, so a cap from another head may/may not fit. Is this head useless because of the missing cap? Can I get away with running the engine without the E4 cap? The other Caps are marked 078 457 C. This part number is used on other 4.2l engines - Is the bore diameter the same on all 4.2l engines? Wolf Auto has caps on e-bay for ~$40, is it worth it to buy one to see if it fits. Does anyone in the community have a head with bent valves that they'd be willing to part with a few of the caps for me to try for fit?

Thank you

Prospeeder

Well they are line bored with the head. But they all must be within a certain spec. Chances are one from another engine would work just fine. I have done it on 1.8T's before because somebody broke one. Also done it on 2.0 Jettas again from somebody tightening the cam down wrong and breaking like 3 of them lol. So yes I would just buy one and try it. If you have to get some plastigauge and see if its within specs or not for bearing clearance. DO NOT run it without the cap!

two90s

Thank you for your reply. I ordered an E3 from Wolf Auto on E-bay, It is off an A8 D3 4.2l - hopefully it is bored to 25mm. I'll plastigage to check clearance.