Head gasket help please!

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Ruaraidh
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Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2015 12:30 pm
Engine size/power: 1.2 TSI (84bhp)

Head gasket help please!

Post by Ruaraidh »

Hey folks!

Well I have just finished putting a new gearbox in my van which was a great success! Woohoo!

Downside I have now what seems to be a failing head gasket! Van runs lovely and doesn't miss a beat but more and more the heater keeps goings hot then cold for ages then suddenly boiling hot and the temp sensor starts flashing and beeping.
Open the reservoir and there seems to be a fair build up of pressure and a little coolant loss each time. Fans is kicking in fine, coolant has no oil in it and vice versa but can't think what else it could be?

If it is a head gasket, is there any kind of guide anywhere? I have done a lot of petrol engine builds in the past but this is my first diesel!

Many thanks,

Ruaraidh :)
rsjohn
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Engine size/power: 2.0 CR TDI (138bhp)
Location: Isle of Wight

Re: Head gasket help please!

Post by rsjohn »

Id be checking the thermostat first and make sure water pump is pumping water round.
Funbagjuggler
Caddy Fan
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Joined: Mon Oct 08, 2012 7:16 am
Engine size/power: 1.2 TSI (84bhp)

Re: Head gasket help please!

Post by Funbagjuggler »

Water pumps are prone to fail.....
Gibbo
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Engine size/power: 1.2 TSI (84bhp)
Location: Hertfordshire

Re: Head gasket help please!

Post by Gibbo »

What engine do you have ? I have BLS engine and I am experiencing similar problems, although not over heating just lots of pressure in expansion tank and water levels drop so get low coolant level indicator come up but release pressure too up water a little and of I go ! But if I stop for a while heater also goes cold ! I've had a pressure test done and check water pump and all pointing towards head gasket, I'm awaiting a price from local garage (Hertfordshire) but might also do myself depending on cost !!
What gearbox did you fit ? I have a DRW 6 speed in my garage waiting to fit but want to get this problem sorted first !
Ruaraidh
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Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2015 12:30 pm
Engine size/power: 1.2 TSI (84bhp)

Re: Head gasket help please!

Post by Ruaraidh »

Hello everyone,

Ok I shall get a thermostat and see if that helps, it has had a water pump when the timing belt was changed about 6 months ago so don't think it will be that so soon?

The engine code is BJB, and it does sound very similar to your problems! Mine has also been pressure tested and it held the pressure 100% perfect. Very strange :( Doesn't missfire or splutter, Just realised that I think the light coming on is the low coolant one you mentioned rather than overheating as has gone away soon as I topped it up!

The gearbox is just another 5 speed sadly as one of the end bearings collapsed and made a hole through the gearbox casing!

I'll try a thermostat and let you know how I get on
Gibbo
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Joined: Sat Oct 05, 2013 8:00 am
Engine size/power: 1.2 TSI (84bhp)
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Re: Head gasket help please!

Post by Gibbo »

I have a thermostat but it isn't that, mine is head gasket I'm pretty sure of it, £850-£1100 quotes so far
V111FEN
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Joined: Sat May 23, 2015 10:48 pm
Engine size/power: 1.2 TSI (84bhp)

Re: Head gasket help please!

Post by V111FEN »

You can reach the water pump with your fingers from the thermostat hole. If the impeller turns or is loose then the pump is no good!!
Ruaraidh
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Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2015 12:30 pm
Engine size/power: 1.2 TSI (84bhp)

Re: Head gasket help please!

Post by Ruaraidh »

Hey folks!

So I changed the thermostat and checked the water pump which has no play. It's still running slightly hot though. What I find strange is that the engine can be up to temperature and the first fan kicks in. But even with the new thermostat when I touch the radiator hoses the one from the thermostat is stone cold and the bottom one is hot?

Many thanks

Ruaraidh
alarmfitter
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Engine size/power: 1.4 16V Petrol (79bhp)
Location: romford essex

Re: Head gasket help please!

Post by alarmfitter »

Could be an air lock or blocked rad
Ruaraidh
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Posts: 9
Joined: Mon Mar 16, 2015 12:30 pm
Engine size/power: 1.2 TSI (84bhp)

Re: Head gasket help please!

Post by Ruaraidh »

Is there a specific way to bleed the cooling system on the Caddy? I've been told there is no bleed valves?

Many thanks :)
alarmfitter
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Engine size/power: 1.4 16V Petrol (79bhp)
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Re: Head gasket help please!

Post by alarmfitter »

When it's up to temperature feel the rad all over see if there are any cold spots and be carefull of the electric fan
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