Just bought a TDI Bora (90bhp non PD) which turns out has knackered head gasket - or so i think I didn't notice the symptoms until a few days after I had bought it annoyingly.

The only symptom is blowing its water out, no mixing, dont think any oil loss, temp gets to 90c and stays there rock solid. Not been able to do any compression test yet however - not got the tool for a diesel! It looses about a header tanks worth of water every 60miles or so. To me it just smacks of head gasket failure and am gearing up to do the job this weekend. But am I being too hasty - could it be anything else? I've already changed the pressure cap as these seem to go sometimes apparently.

If I do go ahead and do the gasket what special tools am I likely to need (manual not turned up yet). I guess there is likely to be a few pulley alignment tools. Other than that the job doesn't seem too hard as access looks good. There seem to be very few people on the net who have documented any DIY attempt at the job.

Any help appreciated.



[Edited on 19/5/11 by andylancaster3000]

Given there's no other symptoms I'd try a new presure cap first, unless you're getting presure almost as soon as it's been started.

It's worth putting one on after a h/gasket replacement anyway so your not loosing anything.

OPPS... should read more carefully!

[Edited on 19/5/11 by adithorp]

If you email me the engine code, year and model I'll see if I can print off the relevant pages from the workshop manual for you.

Regards

Keith

keith@koracing.co.uk

Keith, you have U2U!

Is it worth getting a "sniff test" done to see if any exhaust gas has got into the coolant...at least you would know for sure before diving in.

pin hole in radiator or hoses? pressure cap? leaky water pump etc?

It is only blowing water out of the pressure relief on the header tank - I know as I'm collecting it and putting it back in!

Check for a cracked head, more common with VWs than you would think, and much more expensive to fix.