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Model specific boards => Golf mk4 => Topic started by: Spurgey on 21 January 2004, 19:48

Title: Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: Spurgey on 21 January 2004, 19:48
I've got the luke-warm 2.0l GTI.  It's 3 yrs old done 35k and although serviced at the recomended intervals has always used a litre of oil every 3-5k.  Dealer says its not unusual and I haven't been too bothered as I'm intending to chop it in for the 180bhp 1.8T in a few months.  

However, just recently when topping it up I've had the old coffee-coloured sludge on the filler cap - nothing on the dipstick and the coolant reservoir shows no signs of oil.

Has anyone come across this before? Is it not worth worrying about or would you get it in the garage right away?  Warranty has just expired by the way!

Spurgey
Title: Re:Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: rac_gti on 21 January 2004, 20:23
that normal mate ... even my is only T reg GTI 1.8 with 24 thou mile on clock .. i do get creamy on top where u fill the oil ... even tho VW dealer says it okay !  ::)
Title: Re:Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: Gt-tdi on 21 January 2004, 20:40
due to short journeys. ive left a msg for ya in the 'garage' that briefly explains. good luck
Title: Re:Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: frosticles on 22 January 2004, 10:21
As said, can get a build up of "Tapioca" type sludge on the filler cap if the car is only used for short journeys without getting to the normal operating temp. If you find this sludge on your dipstick the I would be worried, If not, then just wipe away and don't worry about it.
Title: Re:Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: kniterider on 22 January 2004, 13:46
thought id got this prob when i posted 'snotty oil cap' thread!!!! but have been assured that as long as fluid level ok and no snot on the dip stick this is normal!!!!!! got 4 months warranty left so as soon as i see some snot on the stick its straight to vw (if it ever does that!!)
Title: Re:Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: Spurgey on 22 January 2004, 20:01
Cheers lads for the advice :D I was hoping it was easily explained ... didn't have any overheating probs and no sign of oil contamination in coolant reservoir so it didn't seem like the headgasket but ... like Kniterider I just saw ?????'s!

I'll keep an eye on things over the next few days/weeks and try and get out for a good rip at the weekend. Ta
Title: Re:Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: vaughn on 25 January 2004, 16:51
i`ve got the same problem on my 2001 2.0 gti but this has used 2l of oil in 3000 miles, and i aint happy  >:(
Title: Re:Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: kniterider on 25 January 2004, 17:02
blimey fair bit of oil that Vaughn, mine has used hardly owt!!, i have changed every 3k since ive had it though!!, im still curious about that 'snot' i had on my oil cap last week!!! must go and check it again tomorrow!!! ???
Title: Re:Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: vaughn on 25 January 2004, 17:08
ive also got the snot but she only drives 10 miles a day 5 there 5 back, but gonna book it in at the dealers see what bullsh!t they give me. put a litre in when i met you at newark with the car and had to top it up again today nearly a litre >:(
Title: Re:Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: kniterider on 25 January 2004, 17:13
yeah get it looked at i reckon!!, gonna give mine a good check tomorrow and maybe dump it off at dealers if there is any gasket probs i want it doin under warrenty before it runs out!!!! ;D
Title: Re:Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: S11EPS on 25 January 2004, 17:18
That's a bit thirsty!

When mine was new it guzzled a sh!t load of oil, but has slowed right down, and hardly uses a drop beween service intervals now.

What annoys me is the figures quoted in the user manual. VW state that an engine can drink a huge amount of oil every thousand miles before they consider it out of tolerance.

I sat down and worked it out some time ago, and your car could potentially drink its total capacity of oil TWICE between 10k service intervals before VW consider its using too much!!
Title: Re:Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: vaughn on 25 January 2004, 17:23
i bought the car with 12,500 miles on it, its now done 15,200. it just aint cheap when your chukin mobil 1 in it. if it keeps doin it i`ll give it 6 months then get rid,maybe mk5 gti when they come out
Title: Re:Possible Headgasket Trouble
Post by: Spurgey on 27 January 2004, 21:23
keep us posted on progress at the stealers with oil consump via this thread. it will be interesting to see if each has a different line to spin or whether they actually can give some sort of constructive support or advice.  went for a blast at the weekend and snot cleared up ... bet its back now tho haven't checked since sunday. ???