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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: muppet on 09 April 2009, 11:03

Title: head gasket maybe?
Post by: muppet on 09 April 2009, 11:03

hi guys well ive just been told it might be the head gasket but i dont think it is.......

its a 1991 16v

im getting white smoke out the zaust all the time even when its warm outside! but i think it might be fuel and air mixture that needs sorting because it does smell a bit rich

i was told it could be head gasket just based on the smoke but i have no mayo in under the oil cap and i dont think im loosing water but the car has not actually been on the road properly for about 6 7 months now and all im going on is the smoke coming out!

because its just been sitting there i cant really tell if it is loosing water or not? can this just be done by running the car standing and check or will it have to be driven to be done?

i did service just before i took it out last time ( oil, filter, air filter, plugs) and i put on a new dizzy cap n rotor arm bout a month ago because i thought they needed changing!

any help much appreciated as always guys ! thanks

Title: Re: head gasket maybe?
Post by: Conker on 09 April 2009, 18:17

Theres loads of info on head gasket failure on here - have a search.

Here was a recent similar post:  http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=111662.msg973424#msg973424

Title: Re: head gasket maybe?
Post by: nealey on 09 April 2009, 18:42

I havent read the linked thread but water is a biproduct of combustion, if you are not using the car a lot and tend to just start it and not drive anywhere you can get a build up of water in the exhaust system, i would take it for a good run and recheck to see if it smokes still.

If it does then next stage would be to do a block test

Title: Re: head gasket maybe?
Post by: Ben Lessani on 09 April 2009, 18:57

Do a compression test then come back with the results - anything short of that is a waste of time.

If its been sat for ages, do a full service then see how it runs.

Title: Re: head gasket maybe?
Post by: muppet on 09 April 2009, 21:25

thanks guys
being a newbie who can i go to for the compression test? MOT centres or other places?

right now the only thing im going on is smoke out of the exhaust, temp rises normally but i will need to check the coolant level!

thanks guys

Title: Re: head gasket maybe?
Post by: Ben Lessani on 09 April 2009, 21:30

A gunson compression tester is about 20 notes from Halfrauds, less from a wholesaler. A worthwhile investment, I use mine ALL the time.

Title: Re: head gasket maybe?
Post by: muppet on 09 April 2009, 21:34

cheers ben but i aint got a clue lol i think ill take it to a mate who would be more knowledgable with that! thanks guys

as soon as i find out the results ill be back on here asap

Title: Re: head gasket maybe?
Post by: Ben Lessani on 09 April 2009, 21:39

If you can fit a spark plug - you can compression test. Its not remotely difficult.

Title: Re: head gasket maybe?
Post by: muppet on 09 April 2009, 21:48

if its that easy i may do it myself! thanks Ben  :smiley:

Title: Re: head gasket maybe?
Post by: Ant on 09 April 2009, 21:54

Definitely give it a go. I learn each and every time I try something new, with the support and advice of the folks on this forum.

Title: Re: head gasket maybe?
Post by: muppet on 10 April 2009, 14:03

well guys i havent done any kind of test yet but the smoke has stopped for now!

i have been driving it about since i posted first and can see a big difference!

question this time is... should i stil do a compression test anyway? thanks guys

Title: Re: head gasket maybe?
Post by: nealey on 10 April 2009, 16:34

If the smoke has cleared and you have no other problems then you can leave the compression test

Title: Re: head gasket maybe?
Post by: muppet on 10 April 2009, 22:57

sweet...... i ran it for a while today round trip from east london to bedford and back and it was all sweet! no problem wat so ever in power, checked the water tank and it was more or less exactly at the same place and the smoke did clear up so im guesing was just junk in the trunk mind the pun! lol

thanks for the help guys

as always appreciated it :D