Header Tank

[jay01438]

hello everyone i put a post on here a couple of weeks ago about the same problem, i have a 1.9 tdi ghia 2000 plate galaxy every time i drive it about 3 to 5 miles it seems to blow all my water out threw my header tank,i was advised to change the cap which i have done but still have the same problem i have noticed that the water in the header tank is bubbling as if it is boiling could this be the dreaded head gasket as there is no sludge on the cap or the dip stick and it still runs like a dream,but there is back pressure as its throwing all the water out and the temprature gauge does reach the 90 deegrees quiet quickly,can anyone advise me and give me a rough idea how many millions it would cost if it is the head gasket thanks

[tiny]

hello everyone i put a post on here a couple of weeks ago about the same problem, i have a 1.9 tdi ghia 2000 plate galaxy every time i drive it about 3 to 5 miles it seems to blow all my water out threw my header tank,i was advised to change the cap which i have done but still have the same problem i have noticed that the water in the header tank is bubbling as if it is boiling could this be the dreaded head gasket as there is no sludge on the cap or the dip stick and it still runs like a dream,but there is back pressure as its throwing all the water out and the temprature gauge does reach the 90 deegrees quiet quickly,can anyone advise me and give me a rough idea how many millions it would cost if it is the head gasket thanks

 

Theres a very strong possibility that your head gasket is gone between the water jacket and cylinder, this would not result in emulsification of the engine oil or contamination of the coolant with oil. The cooling system over pressurises forcing coolant out of the "weakest link" which is usually the expansion tank cap which basically has an inbuilt over pressure relief valve to prevent damage to other components.

 

What this will result in is hydrocarbons in the coolant, take it to a garage for a sniff test. This basically tests the coolant for presence of hydrocarbons by using a chemical that changes colour if hydrocarbons are present.

 

Do it ASAP because you will wreck your engine if the head gasket is gone.

Edited July 25, 2009 by tiny

[sparky Paul]

Well, the simplest thing was worth a try. :unsure:

 

The alternatives aren't too good... as you suspect, it is likely that the compression pressures are pumping up the cooling system, and that a blown head gasket, or cracked head, is the most likely candidate for this. The best diagnosis would be a compression test on each of the cylinders, followed by removal of the head if a problem is indicated. If the head gasket looks good, the next step would be pressure testing the head for cracks.

 

First of all though, smell the header tank for compression gases... does it smell of exhaust fumes?

 

The fact that you have no oil in the coolant is not a reliable indicator, the head gasket may only be blown between one or more of the cylinders and the cooling jacket, but not through into the oil ways. If the blow is only slight, you may or may not detect coolant steam in the exhaust. Similarly, a crack may just be through into the water jacket.

 

So long as the head in undamaged, a head gasket replacement shouldn't be more than

Edited July 25, 2009 by sparky Paul

[Willie Krashitt]

Do as has been suggested and I hope that you find out what is causing you grief.

If it turns out to be the head gasket/cracked head, I am left wondering if this car has been chipped/remapped sometime in it's life, as these are normally incredibly robust engines unless they are taken beyond what they are designed to do. If it has been "tuned", then put it back to standard or you will only end up having to do it it all again.

George.

[turk90210]

There are a few alternatives to the cause of this fault

1. Thermostat - not opening and allowing circulation

2. Waterpump - patic if a mk2 the plastic impellors break off the shaft and dont push the water around again giving poor circulation

3. Cooling Fans - not working for whatever reason

4. EGR Valve cooler - having an internal leak (Rare)

5. Head Gasket/Head - as already mentioned

 

Reading your post I think you can eliminate the cooling fans as it has to get up to temp before they come on and you say yours blows out after 3-5 miles

Commonly if it is 1 or 2 there can be other signs of poor circulation ie not all the hoses are of equal temperature ect

4 and 5 can be a little harder to diagnose as both give the same symptoms

Depending on your skill level it might be best to get it diagnosed at a garage or if in the RAC/AA get them to come out and have a look at it to see if they can point you in the right direction.

I DEFINATLY WOULD NOT keep driving it though because if you do I think we can all guarantee you will be taking the head off as prolonged use with faults 1 to 4 inevitably leads to fault 5