Newbie help needed

[Godroofing83]

Hi all just joined and just picked up my first mk4 gti,
I bought it with head gasket failure no mayo to be found anywhere just running like a bag of bones?.
Could your steer me in the direction of any good head gasket replacement threads please.
I'm not convinced reading other posts too I will go down all the other routes too but a garage prior to my purchase diagnosed gasket failure hence the bargain price.
Thanks in advance

[barrym381]

what are the symptoms 

[Godroofing83]

It starts on the button ticks over slightly lumpy, but really lumpy , missfire when driving. It never cuts out or stalls.
If I bought it without being told it was diagnosed head gasket I would be going plugs coils sensor route. I have done a few mk2 head gaskets but they were all mayo symptoms . thanks

[barrym381]

what engine is it and year 

[Godroofing83]

It's a 2.0 1999

[barrym381]

It's a 2.0 1999

does it over heat  and they are known for head gasket failure but not always the case

[Godroofing83]

Temp is perfect bang on half never moves.

[barrym381]

Temp is perfect bang on half never moves.

try simple things 1st like plugs or temp sensor but a cheap code reader is a great thing 

[Godroofing83]

Thanks I just ordered a manual, code reader and compression tester.