GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: Grovit on 11 November 2003, 19:33

Title: Buying a MkII 8v - H/Gasket query
Post by: Grovit on 11 November 2003, 19:33

Hi - as mentioned in an earlier post - I'm looking to buy a MkII 8v for a grand early next year.  Hopefully I should be able to pick up a big bumper model, however, I'm not too bothered if big bumper / small bumper - more concerned on the condition of car.

However - someone mentioned that if 100,000 miles + (which it is highly likely to be) then the head gasket should have been changed.

Can someone advise if the above is rubbish, or in fact, yes it should have been changed by this point.

Any help would be much appreciated - cheers folks. :)

Title: Re:Buying a MkII 8v - H/Gasket query
Post by: golfvr6 on 11 November 2003, 19:36

Rubbish, it may or may not have been changed, depends on the engine.

Title: Re:Buying a MkII 8v - H/Gasket query
Post by: Grovit on 11 November 2003, 19:45

hmmm, ok - although would it not be a reasonable indication of the car's condition - ie - forms a fairly significant part of the servicing that is required.

I've seen the other posts regarding what to look for - blue smoke, check the underside of filler cap etc etc , but nothing on h/gasket.  I'm trying to get a good feel of what to look for........
 

Title: Re:Buying a MkII 8v - H/Gasket query
Post by: Blue MK2 on 11 November 2003, 19:50

Get it RAC checked. Ive heard they use special equipment to test for any leaks. mines done 127k and its probably worth changing it anyway?

Title: Re:Buying a MkII 8v - H/Gasket query
Post by: Alexg40 on 11 November 2003, 19:51

Head gaskets just go, anytime. Loads of things can trigger them and mileage is not a good indicator of whether or not it will go.  Some new cars have head gaskets let go at less that 5000 miles, some go on to do 190000!! with no gasket change at all.

Title: Re:Buying a MkII 8v - H/Gasket query
Post by: golfvr6 on 11 November 2003, 20:18

Yep if it isn't leaking then don't worry.

Title: Re:Buying a MkII 8v - H/Gasket query
Post by: Blue MK2 on 11 November 2003, 21:11

What worries me is that my car is on high milage and if i redline it (which i dont) can the gasket fail then?

Title: Re:Buying a MkII 8v - H/Gasket query
Post by: golfvr6 on 11 November 2003, 21:26

The gasket doesn't usually just fail, it will erode over time, usually quite a long time unless the engine overheats. If you are that worried about it, then do a compression test.

Title: Re:Buying a MkII 8v - H/Gasket query
Post by: modulater on 11 November 2003, 23:28

The major cause of gasket failures is overheating caused by dodgy thermostats or knackered thermoswitches. As long as the cooling system is in good condition then there should be no reason for the gasket to fail.

If it hasnt gone then why replace it?