Help with headgasket

[claire.major]

Right, got a 1990 8v GTI, love it to bits but having an issue with water loss (needs topping up every 4 -5 days when light flashes) and steam from exhaust!  The steam is not normally on start up but kinda comes and goes as it pleases (noticed it was worse whilst on a hill today)

There is also gunky stuff on dipstick and catcher tank tho not under oil cap.  Guessing it is headgasket but it is driving and starting perfectly!!!  Heating is also very good.

Any help, ideas and the likes would be greatly appreciated!

Ta

[Leon R]

Head gasket diagnosing can be tricky without the right tools, but from what you said its quite probable that its the cause.

I'd get a garage to do a compression test and see whether there is a discrepancy first.

[Conker]

I've recently had similar symptoms on my 16v'er. I opted to change the head gasket, and as yet it seems to have done the trick (first big drive in it will be tomorrow).

My advice from having the gasket myself (assuming 8v's are similar)...

1)  Follow Leon's advice on getting a compression test done first.
2)  The gasket swap is not difficult so long as your exhaust manifold bolts/studs look in good shape.

[oakgreengolf]

gasket set pretty cheap from gscp's, always change the bolts too   

[Conker]

gasket set pretty cheap from gscp's, always change the bolts too   

I'm no expert, but I was advised not to get the gasket set as they are the manky cork one's. Its not big dollars to buy them direct from VW - The 16v head gasket was only £20 for example.

[Benrevs]

The rocker cover gaskets are cork but the head gaskets are good quality, and you get a whole kit for about £35.

[oakgreengolf]

my 16v set seemed fine everything fitted great,  .

[Village Idiots]

Garages can do a test for combustion products in the coolant: this is best test for head gasket failure. Really important to torque up the head bolts in the right way.

[wopdat]

Definately the headgasket... Make sure you get a VW one as other aftermarket ones are crap as i found out a few years back. The gasket burnt between the cylinders within 3 months and i had to strip it again and rebuild. Unlike the VW headgasket that lifts straight off, the aftermarket one was welded to the block and needed plenty of gasket remover. A VW one is about £30 and well worth it. Get the head de-coked, skimmed and replace the valve seals (VW ones) and the guides if necessary. At the same time replace the cambelt too. VW parts have got cheaper and cost a bit more than GSF & EURO so it's worth using them for piece of mind. 

[claire.major]

Thanks for all your help.
Bit of progress, compression was all good so not head gasket. 

The smoking exhaust has just stopped now the weather has warmed up a bit so may have been the cold weather.

The bung connecting the oil breather to the rocker cover is completely broken and this looks like where moisture is getting in and causing gunk around it and the dip stick, will get one from GSF Monday (guessing its this? 10463 BREATHER BUNG-ON CAM COV.  G2 1.8 8v F.Inj (Not G60) 8/83 >10/91)

Looks like it may have a water leak somewhere as the water is still going down, slowly.  Any ideas from where or best way to test (no puddle when parked)