Author Topic: After replacing Head Gasket + Timing Belt  (Read 1981 times)

Offline [steve]

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After replacing Head Gasket + Timing Belt
« on: 08 July 2014, 11:08 »
Hi All,

I've just got my Mk2 GTi 8v back from the garage. They had to replace the head gasket (and the head!) and they did the timing belt at the same time as was a no brainer and was about due.

Do I need to take it real easy for the first 500 miles as advised by the garage?

They suggested keeping it below 2500 for 500 miles. I know that is the case for new barrels/pistons/rings etc but wasn't too sure about after a head gasket change (and replacement head + timing belt).

Just don't want to f**k it up.

If anyone can let me know what they think and also let me know why I should (or shouldn't) take it easy to help me understand that would be great.

Thanks.

Steve.
« Last Edit: 08 July 2014, 14:12 by [steve] »

Offline Sgt_Lemon

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Re: After replacing Head Gasket + Timing Belt
« Reply #1 on: 08 July 2014, 17:57 »
It shouldn't make too much difference, you should change the oil after 500 miles though. As long as your not ragging it 2500 is a bit low. You can't even go motorway speeds at that rpm.

Offline Wayne

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Re: After replacing Head Gasket + Timing Belt
« Reply #2 on: 10 July 2014, 13:50 »
Just try and take a little easy, better to let everything settle down.

Offline [steve]

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Re: After replacing Head Gasket + Timing Belt
« Reply #3 on: 10 July 2014, 19:25 »
Cheers guys,

Not driving crazy but still accelerating through the gears, reckon 3-4k is the highest it's revved and only for short bursts until changing up :)

VW BUSH

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Re: After replacing Head Gasket + Timing Belt
« Reply #4 on: 10 July 2014, 20:56 »
I would be more concerned with things like hoses, flanges and manifolds failing due to disturbance than the head warping or cam picking up especially if it was a complete head and cam ready worn in.
keep an eye on your fluids and don't rag it until your certain its not leaking fluids or gas.

Offline [steve]

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Re: After replacing Head Gasket + Timing Belt
« Reply #5 on: 11 July 2014, 08:36 »
I would be more concerned with things like hoses, flanges and manifolds failing due to disturbance than the head warping or cam picking up especially if it was a complete head and cam ready worn in.
keep an eye on your fluids and don't rag it until your certain its not leaking fluids or gas.

Cheers mate,

The coolant flange on the side of the head is cracked and I am losing coolant slowly. I'll be replacing this at the weekend all being well.

The Cam and pulley were swapped from the old head to the new head.

Can you expand on what I should be looking out for?

Cheers.