Coolant leak.

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Coolant leak.

Post by GTXGTXGTX »

I am losing coolant somewhere at the back of the engine block but struggling to see where its coming from. Any ideas? Please see photo.
Thanks
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james butler
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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by james butler »

judging by where its all wet it could be head gasket or core plug/block related issue.
alternatively it could be leaking elsewhere and just be sprayed or blown over the back there by wind as your driving so check around the water pump and pipe work in that area.
if its carbed car then could be manifold leaking but that would show up closer to the gearbox side.


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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by GTXGTXGTX »

Problem has worsened and now showing classic signs of head gasket problems. I have had Sciroccos for more than 20 years and have done a lot of repairs but never done a head gasket. How difficult a job is it? Any advice appreciated.

Thanks


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james butler
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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by james butler »

easy peasey compared to modern stuff.
take your time removing the head bolts and make sure you get the cylinder head pressure tested before putting it all back together.
better to find out it needs a skim when its off rather than after you put it back together.
basically remove everything off the cylinder head except for the rocker cover and whats inside.
this will include the alternator, timing belt, all the timing chest, the dizzy leads and plugs, inlet manifold and exhaust manifold (can be left on put makes the head much heavier to lift out.), all water connections, any cable connections like the oil pressure sensor wire, theres a few bolts that secure the timing cover backplate to the head and to the block 10mm i think thats kind of hidden, lastly remove the rocker cover and remove the cylinder head bolts.
make sure you buy a head gasket kit and expect to have to buy the new head bolts separately.
its a fairly easy job so dont worry too much were all here to offer help and guidance along the way :good:


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james butler
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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by james butler »

check out my thread from years ago, mines a carb car but i cant see yours being that much different
viewtopic.php?f=17&t=5195&p=36165#p36165


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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by GTXGTXGTX »

Thank you James, that's really helpful.

I have heard lots about the exhaust spring clips. I plan to buy the required tool but would you recommend fitting new clips? They don't seem to be available. Thanks


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scrappy1382
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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by scrappy1382 »

old clips should be fine sean. if you need a hand , gimme a bell


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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by scrappy1382 »

i also have the tool needed for those pesky clips too . just need to collect from gareth g smith


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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by GTXGTXGTX »

Thanks for all the responses. Getting gasket and bolts this week and plan to do the job next weekend. Need to invest in a torque wrench.


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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by GTXGTXGTX »

Also, am I right in saying I need m12 spline key?or is it Ribe? My spline bits are not the long type, are the longer ones required?
Thanks


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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by mark1gls »

I just use a small extension bar to lift the torque wrench above the cam shaft when undoing the head bolts.

I would fit new C clamps for the down pipe if you can as they can stretch.

https://www.gsfcarparts.com/280vg0080

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-MK1-C ... xyA7tSZnGi

Euro car parts seems the cheapest place, £3.19 for 2 with discount code and free delivery, silly not to fit new ones at that price?
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volks ... ea1&000463


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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by GTXGTXGTX »

Cheers Mark

Final question. Do the new gasket and bolts need to be original vw parts or would gsf or euro car parts be OK?

Thanks


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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by mark1gls »

Euro car parts is what I used, my engine been OK in the last 12 months,10,000 miles since I changed my engine and and fitted new gaskets in the Golf.

Use HOLIDAY57 code for discount, depends on what you remove from the head if you need to buy a full gasket kit set, link to just head gasket.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volks ... 984&000173


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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by GTXGTXGTX »

Cheers Mark


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Re: Coolant leak.

Post by unknownmale »

I used an exhaust clamp to remove those c clamps.

In my opinion the most annoying part of doing the head gasket is getting those clamps off, Oh and delicately placing the head onto the block when it weighs a ton. Could do with dowel pins really.


- David
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