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Author Topic: :-[Blown Head Gasket  (Read 2727 times)

Offline NICK1329

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:-[Blown Head Gasket
« on: 13 April 2003, 02:42 »
:-[Hi, new to site,
Recently blew head gasket on my 1988 GTI cab. Only done 84.000 with FSH.
Is this a weakness on the 1800 GTI?
Previously owned 8 & 16 valve GTI's with no problems at all.

Spoke to my local garage,non VW,said major job & quoted ?400.00, seems pricey to me, any comments?

If I am paying that sort of money I might consider a complete engine rebuild as car is so good.
Has anyone done the same or know of good place to get done.

Regards Nick, (now back on bike).
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »
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Offline richandhazel

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Re:  :-[Blown Head Gasket
« Reply #1 on: 13 April 2003, 15:48 »
I've owned VW and Audi's for 18 years now and I have never had a head gasket go.......thats not to say it doesn't happen though, maybe the head has been 'cooked' at some time in the past.
I agree, ?400 seems very pricey, I'm sure you can get it done cheaper than that. Whilst you have the head off, I would recommend that you get your valve guides checked and get the valve guide oil seals replaced.
Also make sure the head is flat and hasn't warped, otherwise your new head gasket isn't going to last very long.
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »
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Offline NICK1329

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Re: ?:-[Blown Head Gasket
« Reply #2 on: 13 April 2003, 22:54 »
Richandhazel, Thaks for that, I'd worked out getting a straight edge put across it but was also worried it might be cracked somewhere. I've been told not to get it pressure tested as it can cause more probs than it's worth.
Ai'nt life grand  
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »
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Offline NICK1329

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Re: ?:-[Blown Head Gasket
« Reply #3 on: 15 April 2003, 02:13 »
 :o
Richandhazel. Anyone else it helps.

Got an independent VW Mech to do the job for between ?200/?250. He stated head gasket very common & known fault.

All I can say is that this is my third GTi & it's the first one I have had problems with.

Regards Nick  
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »
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Offline kevin

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Re:  :-[Blown Head Gasket
« Reply #4 on: 21 April 2003, 03:46 »
sh1t happens!!!
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »
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Offline a9wyn

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Re:  :-[Blown Head Gasket
« Reply #5 on: 21 April 2003, 23:20 »
re-blown head gasket as richardandhazel previously stated while you've got the head off check valve guides for wear also for head distortion head gaskets don't normally go on their own it's just a sympton you said the car has a full service history by whom? has the engine overheated at some time ? has the correct amount of anti-freeze mixture been used? or even has a good quality oil been used?.....sorry to sound like a doom and gloom merchant....?400 does sound like a lot of money of course it is but labour rates in garages these days are very expensive, dealer rates hear in S.Wales are about ?60/hr.(approx) ......WYN
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »
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Offline NICK1329

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Re: ?:-[Blown Head Gasket
« Reply #6 on: 26 April 2003, 06:54 »
Wyn, Thanks for obs, job now all done & car running fine,previous service mainly by main agents. All I have to do now is find out why my rear fog light wont work & I'll be happy. Haynes is useless for wiring diagrams :P
« Last Edit: 01 January 1970, 01:00 by 1055631600 »
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