1.6 JX TD overheating.. possible head gasket/cracking????

[mrhutch]

Hi All..

My 1988 1.6 JX TD is overheating.. I have changed the thermostat, sensor in coolant tank, disconnected the rad, flushed it, flushed pipes from rad to engine bay, bled, bled and bled some more!

It will be fine on idle after bleeding but if I give it a run up a-roads (60-65 mph) it will overheat ~ flashing light on dash and temp over 3/4 (occasionally on full!!) This has only started in last 3 weeks.

I noticed that the rad was not getting hot, so just been out now, bled, then set off on a fast run. On the way back the temp rose, and warning lights came on. I pulled over and although the temp guage was 100% the rad was stone cold at the top. I bled it by the roadside and could feel it fill up with hot.

Limped home. So, by my reckoning something is putting gas into the system, which is accumulating in the rad, causing an airlock and the van to overheat. Obvious culprit is cylinder head gasket.

Am I thinking along the right lines? Is there a test that can be done to identify a gasket problem before I go the whole hog and pull the head? The local VW dealer said that after a run, when cold if there is pressure in the coolant tank that there is a gasket problem.

How big a job is the head gasket ? Anything to look out for?

any help appreciated!

(also posted at brick-yard apologies for anyone reading both!!)

Hutch

[peasant]

Take the lid off the (water) expansion tank (the main one, not the one behind the service flap) ...start up the engine, watch for bubbling.

If it bubbles, it's deffo the head gasket.

[Bilbo Blue]

Only sure way is to remove the head and get it presure tested.

[artymax]

you can get a compression test done at a local garage.

[mrhutch]

After pricing up the cost of new bolts and gasket, timing kit etc.. I decided to upgrade the engine.

Now running a 1Y (1.9 diesel N/A) with AAZ injectors and pump and JX Turbo!

Thanks to all responses...