Changing coolant pipe gaskets.

[stainesy]

Ok the only issue with my new anni ( wich I new about when I got it) is the gaskets where the coolant pipes come out of front and side of engine block have small coolant leaks.
Do I just change gaskets or O rings or something?
It's leaking where the pipe join the block.

[GOLF-MK3-GTI]

Take a trip to GSF and buy new coolant flanges, they'll come with new O-Rings. i'm only saying this because the coolant flanges can warp overtime. Do the job once and save time. 

[Callum_K]

Yep replace the whole flange...both of mine leaked too. Though what I found was that when I replaced one, the system would hold more pressure, then another would fail. Did the one on front of the head, then the side one started pissing stuff out. Replaced that, then the thermostat cover started leaking. Fixed that and all I have now is a small leak on the oil cooler but it's so slow (coolant level goes from max to below min in about 4 months) I can't be arsed to fix it.

[stainesy]

oh great so i gona have to keep replacing seals?

[Callum_K]

Lol can't say for sure but it's likely if a couple of coolant system o-rings have perished, the others are going to be in a similar state, unless they've been changed before of course!

[itavaltalainen]

just buy all o-rings from gsf.. they are about 50p each. unless flanges look perished.

if you partially have to bleed the system anyway might as well use the opportunity to replace all o-rings and save yourself money on coolant.

[stainesy]

Yeah that is a good idea. Going to keep this anni as clean as I can so I will just buy new flanges and replace all seals.

[northeast_gti-t]

Did these on my 8v the other week ended up replacing both as replaced one and then found the other leaking  the one on the end of the head had a damaged o ring the one at the side was cracked in the plastic replaced mine with genuine vag parts for less than thirty quid for the two also if you get the side one from vw you will need the blanking plug and o ring too as the flange comes with two openings for the temp sensor both come with the o rings pre fitted too 

[VW BUSH]

I am always dubious of gsf/ecp seals and fit my own Viton items, good o rings cost nothing and last a hell of a lot longer