GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: wolfsburgsfinest on 06 May 2012, 16:15
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Hi There,
I am new to this site. I have a 5 dr,oak green big bumper mk2 8 valve GTi.
Recently I have had some problems with the coolant level in the expansion tank.
Yesterday I was driving in town and the engine temperature gauge LED started flashing whilst I was at the traffic lights. It then subsequently went out. So I checked the coolant level and it was pretty low in the tank, so I topped it up. And squeezed the coolant hoses a lot of air sort of "burped" out at the expansion tank.
I checked the level again this morning and it had gone down again. So i topped it up and watched for any leaks this time. I saw a leak at the base of the expansion tank near the two plastic points at the base of the expansion tank, near where the hose joins on. (Sorry a very poor description)
I have checked for any "mayo" in the oil system and there is none, so I am pretty sure it is not head gasket trouble.
How does the expansion tank work, I see there is an inner and outer casing? Should I change the whole expansion tank, and flush the whole system.
Any help would be gladly appreciated.
Rob.
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Is it a square or round coolant bottle??
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Round bottle.
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Faulty - worn out Coolant Bottle & Cap most likely...
AFAIK only way to find out is by replacing it with a new or tested one...
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Ok.
Thanks for your help. Much appreciated
Will be getting a new bottle and cap then I think!
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Yeah... VW have just had the bottle's back in stock as I had one on order for the wife's MK2...
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read this too....
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=106380.0
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Thanks very much, new expansion tank ordered and new cap ordered.
Cheers,
Rob.
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Well,
I flushed the old coolant out and fitted the new expansion tank and cap. When I was flushing the system out I noticed the water hose, the block to oil cooler one was split at the bottom. After purchasing a new one from ebay I finally connected everything back up yesterday.
I replenished the coolant system using Comma G48 (G11 spec) using a 50/50 mix with de-ionised water.
The fan kicked in and all the hoses at the top and bottom of the radiator were at the correct temperature at the correct times. So I was happy. No thermostat issues.
Last night I took the car out for a drive.
The temp gauge was sitting just past the LED. I was not thrashing it or driving it hard, although the occasional drop to third and spirited drive did happen ;) No lights came on. So was happy. I checked the coolant levels on return and all were ok, albeit engine still warm. I checked them this morning engine cold and still ok.
HOWEVER, On closer inspection I have noticed a light leak from the cylinder head gasket area on the right hand side of the block. I wiped this and watched and waited. Sure enough another drop formed after wiping it away with a rag, and then shortly after another.
It would appear I have cylinder head gasket trouble. Or at least that is my judgement.
Looking for some advice here. I have a few questions.
The engine has no other symptoms of head gasket failure. I know people always bang on about "mayo" formation and I have been one of them. No engine oil consumption or other signs of head gasket failure other than leak from block area. No steam or anything like that. Rather annoyed I never spotted this earlier.
I am reasonably mechanically able, but have never tackled a cylinder head gasket change. Only ever small jobs How much would a decent garage charge for this?
Realistically would the engine need to come out. Would it be worth my while skimming the head?
Should I tackle this myself and if so what price? Also what other jobs would be good to get done whilst this was happening? Water pump etc. I work two weeks on/off. So from Tuesday I will be away. So wont be able to progress with the car :(
Any and all advice much appreciated.
Cheers.
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not hard to do gasket, hardest bit is probably exhaust manifold or downpipe nuts rusted on. Are you sure its not the coolant flnge on side of head? they re bout 4 quid.
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not hard to do gasket, hardest bit is probably exhaust manifold or downpipe nuts rusted on. Are you sure its not the coolant flnge on side of head? they re bout 4 quid.
+1 Make sure its not the plastic flange between the coolant pipe and head that is leaking rather than the head gasket.
Exhaust manifold would be the sticking point. crack on it you can tow it to a garage if you get stuck!
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When i did my headgasket i took it garage 1st and got the downpipe nuts cracked off/snapped off just so i wouldnt waste ages on my back struggling. took bout 1 hour to get head off with manifolds still attached that way and id never even done one before.
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Unfortunately not the coolant flange. It is all good. Just got back yesterday from my two weeks on/off working in Shetland and proceeded to crack on with the head change.
All going smoothly. Exhaust downpipe was annoying, I had a great combination of wobble extensions, and UJ's, although all nuts came off cleanly!! With no snapped studs!!! I was dreading this part of the job. I have replacement nuts and will be slapping the never seez on the new ones.
Collected a heap of parcels today from the post office, going to replace all the belts, gaskets, thermostat, all the filters, new water pump etc. Majority of parts were from vw heritage or GSF. Waiting on cylinder head bolts from VW heritage, should be here tomorrow was a special order item. Got my comma g48 coolant, and engine oil from halfrauds, got a trade card so not too expensive.
Just got to get power steering fluid. Mines is a red cap on reservior does that mean Type II Dexron fluid would be ok?
Going down south tonight to pick up a recon PB cylinder head with inlet manifold and injectors. Head has been skimmed new valve stem seals etc.
Watch this space!!!
Never tackled a big job like this, so Its a good learning curve,
Keen to get this done ASAP, but wont be rushing it.
Cheers for all the advice!!
Rob.