VW Golf Mk2 Owners Club

blown head gasket causing coolant issues?

October 29, 2024, 07:04:24 PM

I have just recently acquired this golf and am trying to fix a coolant issue before I take it on more journeys. I'm thinking it could be the exhaust manifold/gasket or something else before I bother with replacing the head gasket?

• replaced heater matrix as had steam come inside the car - new matrix installed
• substantial loss of coolant
• seems like it's boiling
• have replaced the black with blue expansion cap
• white exhaust smoke
• coolant on top of manifold - is that a common thing?
  
• steam/smoke coming from front of engine case (last video)
• no mayonnaise on filler cap
  
• did a dry compression test (right to left)1- 140 (9.82) 2- 120 (8.3) 3- 125 (8.64) 4- 80 (5.5) - (okay this is not great)
• replaced water pump + new thermostat

I have taken it for hour drives recently but I'm reluctant till I sort these issues out first.

Engine bay
https://youtu.be/iWZqBjWpKjc

Exhaust
https://youtu.be/x6FkjagN15o

Smoke front of block
https://youtu.be/EjMIkSzdccY

Any advice is welcome before I take off the head

Re: blown head gasket causing coolant issues?

Reply #1 – October 30, 2024, 08:01:44 AM

Before you take the head off, do a block test.
They're cheap and will tell you straight away if you have issues in the head gasket.
I bought this one, worked a treat:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/323563168415?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-153316-527457-8&mkcid=2&itemid=323563168415&targetid=4584757337825780&device=c&mktype=&googleloc=&poi=&campaignid=555119508&mkgroupid=1298524385662659&rlsatarget=pla-4584757337825780&abcId=10039097&merchantid=87779&msclkid=e6c151140f60166565933635e8a54f3d

Re: blown head gasket causing coolant issues?

Reply #2 – October 31, 2024, 09:12:58 AM

great idea thanks - have ordered one to try

Re: blown head gasket causing coolant issues?

Reply #3 – November 03, 2024, 05:45:45 PM

well the test passed - didn't got yellow or green so that's good.

But while i'm at it replaced the following:

• side and front cooling flanges as they were both leaking plus the o rings had perished
• fan switch as found the current one was just loose and they're cheap
• expansion tank as had a slight crack
• bottom hose and the thin coolant hose

i'm just hoping this sorts out the majority of my coolant leaks and presume that i should not see any steam in the engine bay as the fan should cut in earlier....