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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: thomson07 on 19 October 2013, 19:12

Title: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: thomson07 on 19 October 2013, 19:12

My head gasket was changed about 1000 miles or so ago but im still having problems with the expansion tank.
Afetr a run in the car, the tank is either empty or bubbling and boiling.
There is still oil in the expansion tank, mostly on the surface.
The expansion tank will sometimes empty itself as soon as the engine is turned off.

Any point in changing the water pump / cambelt ? Or should I get the petrol and matches out......

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: gazareth on 19 October 2013, 19:25

was the cylinder head skimmed?

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: thomson07 on 19 October 2013, 21:14

yes it was skimmed

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: beppe2672 on 19 October 2013, 22:15

Could it be the heat exchanger on top of the oil filter?

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: Chris#101 on 19 October 2013, 22:54

Was the system flushed and bled properly?

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: thomson07 on 20 October 2013, 09:31

As far as I know it was flushed and bled properly, tho the job was done in my works car park where the car broke down.

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: harlemex on 20 October 2013, 12:37

You may have a crack in your head, do a compression test.

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: mar_k on 20 October 2013, 18:42

Possible warped block?
I know some times people have them decked.


Just re-read the 1st post, Did you really go through the hassle of removing the head and not replacing the Cambelt and water pump?

At the very least you should have removed the pump for inspection.

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: thomson07 on 21 October 2013, 18:31

A mate did the job in my works car park, no access to full garage.
I didnt know that i should have changed pump and belt at the time, thats why i asked on here...

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: EsSeX dAn on 21 October 2013, 23:24

Sounds like (in no particular order)
head wasnt skimmed enough
warped block (pretty unlikley)
head bolts not torqued properly
possible faulty expansion cap

what engine wS it? do the heaters still get warm?
when you say the head tank goes dry, where does the water go or are you not too sure? get the car coolant tested and compression tested, thats all i can think of right now! its late lol

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: thomson07 on 22 October 2013, 16:40

My mate tells me that the head bolts were torqued properly.
The rubber O ring on the expansion cap lid has broken, ill get a new one fron helfrauds.
Sometimes the water has just dissapeared, sometimes it all boils over and dumps itself on the ground when I turn ignition off.
Ive cleaned the oil filler cap of mayo but its come back.


Really strong burning rubber smell today ?

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: thomson07 on 22 October 2013, 22:34

Thats the golf broken down, think its terminal .
Expansion tank lid blew off under pressure and sprayed oil / water mix all over the engine bay.
Second hand engine ? Try something else ? Burn the thing out ? (JOKE) ??????

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: EsSeX dAn on 23 October 2013, 16:39

ive just had a thought, on my tdi the pipe that returns to the top of the head tank somehow blocked up meaning water wouldnt circulate properly might want to check that!
what engine is it?
i think if its just done that theres something more sinister hiding. get a new engine in it, cheaper than getting a new car!

Title: Re: Head gasket changed, still having problems.
Post by: Chris. on 03 November 2013, 18:46

Was it bled properly with no airlocks?