Enthusiast frustration

[Harooshum]

yes ben, but the only wayt they are linked is if there is a head gasket prob, in which case the engine should be seized!!!  What do u think?  H.

[Blue MK2]

u got pics of the leak, yellow gunk under the oil cap and dipstick?

one of us might spot something?

[benjam_in]

where in north london r u im nr milton keynes

[Blue MK2]

am i right, if you strongly smell oil in the water tank then that indicates a gasket prob?

[Harooshum]

nah, I keep filling the water daily as it has quite a fast leak.  If oil in the water, then i wont know coz it dissappears fast.  I always see clean water though.  From what I described, is it very dangerous to run the car with no coolant, just tap water.  It hasn't been freezing or snowing.

Southgate, just off A406 north circular.

I cant decide whether to fork out for repairs or if I need a new engine(hope not).  I will take some digi-pics, howe can i publish them here?

[richandhazel]

yes ben, but the only wayt they are linked is if there is a head gasket prob, in which case the engine should be seized!!!  What do u think?  H.

Blown head gasket doesn't necessarily mean your engine will be seized. Keep a close eye on your oil level and be aware that if your gasket has gone then both your coolant and oil could be getting contaminated with each other and therefore lowering their efficiency.

[richandhazel]

Sound like most of your problems are associated with the head............engine definately worth fixing

[GavG60]

Hello mate. I had the same problem with my water pump few months back, drove round for ages topping it up with water, then it got really cold and I got so worried it would freeze and crack the block i sorted it out. you can get a water pump from Volks spares, nearest to you would be highgate. (www.volkspares.co.uk) for under ?30. took me 3-4 hours to change. time consuming but you don't need to be an expert to do it.

take off your alternator, remove them steering pump bracket underneath it and let the steering pump drop down. change pump!

make sure you clean round the edges with a blade. I used some blue sealant as well make sure it didn't leak again. might as well change the thermostat whilst your there, cos they only cost a couple of quid and their a bastard to take everything off again for such a little job!

[Harooshum]

Thanks mk216vdubbya.  I consider myself an amateur mechanic, but mr Haynes put me off a bit.  I still might try to have a go.

Does anyone know where I can get a new (or reconditioned) head, as cheap as possible?  I plan to keep this car for a few more years yet, and I might aswell do the head for the long run.  I donk want it fcuking up again.  Good idea? Harry

[richandhazel]

Here's a link to your pics:-

http://www.richandhazel.servebeer.com/gti/general/Harry/index.html