Mk2 16V possible Head Gasket...?

[raks.2008]

Hey guys....
 
Yesterday I drove 7miles to work and parked up and as walking away I noticed the exhaust was smoking alot. I then checked the oil and on the dip stick there was a very little mayo, but none on the oil cap. I checked the water resorvior and seemed like there is a little oil mixing. At the front of the engine where the rubber hose goes in there was alot of fresh oil, just under the injectors.

Not sure whether the Head Gasket has gone or something else... Looking at other threads there is a little info on possible problems and oil cooler but not sure.

Any advice, I will be getting the compression checked on Saturday...

Thanks

[russ-vdub]

You need to get the head tested really to be sure. Some kind of gadget with fluid in it that clips onto the top of the expansion tank and goes a different colour if there is oil in the water.

[rubjonny]

disconnect the 2 hoses for the oil cooler and join them together, then disconnect as many coolant hoses as you can, drain and flush the coolant system with a hosepipe. fill with plain water and a cup full of bio washing powder, run till warm then allow to cool. flush again, repeat till oil is gone then refill with correct water/antifreeze mix. see if the oil comes back after a week, if it does could be hg!

[russ-vdub]

^^ DIY method, would be easier to get it checked at a garage, will tell you in about 5 minutes

[Tramp]

disconnect the 2 hoses for the oil cooler and join them together, then disconnect as many coolant hoses as you can, drain and flush the coolant system with a hosepipe. fill with plain water and a cup full of bio washing powder, run till warm then allow to cool. flush again, repeat till oil is gone then refill with correct water/antifreeze mix. see if the oil comes back after a week, if it does could be hg!

Jon is helping me on a project and reallt knows his stuff!
I would try what he says. I can tell you if you tried this you would get to the route of the problem

[raks.2008]

Thanks guys...

I just popped down to a place called CTM Performace Engineering, they said its the Head Gasket, and to remove the head and refit they quoted £200.00 plus new headbolts and gasket. But they also do performance mods. They said they can recondition the head, gas flow, new brass seats, 3 angle valves cut for £500.00... I think he called it a fast road modification using standard cams.

Is this modification good, and do you guys recommending doing this...? I was told i can get upto 15% extra bhp and also better fuel economy...

So may as well get this done, unless you guys recommend someone better...

[Ben Lessani]

Sounds cheap for a HG at garage rates, but personally wouldn't bother with the "mod".

You would be better off buying a MK3 and ABF'ing it

[raks.2008]

I did think about putting a 2.0ABF bottom block but I can still do that once getting this mod done and after saving up...hehe

So I can be pushing around 160bhp with this mod and more by changing the bottom block....

But guys does the £500.00 sound right...? for New Valve guides, New Valve Seals, Skimming the head, Lap Valves, 3 angle cutting on the head, port and polishing... Is this a good price...?

[wil0]

yeah, probably, but you could get an abf, engine, gearbox, and loom for well under £500. an abf would be nearly 160bhp anyway, and alot more economical.

[raks.2008]

Yes ur definately right...

Might as well start searching...

Thanks