Right, looking for mechanical help in Devon area please?

[ladyeleanor]

I've been told I need a new head gasket by the local garage. I've had the van since October, seemed fine till the water light started flashing 4 weeks after purchase. Took it to garage to sort out as the 'extra' water tank (or whatever you call it) was still full of water, being a woman, I took it to garage and they had it pressure tested and said it was fine. Used it for 2nd time on Sat and I took it to Bodmin, water light flashed again and it needed 2.5 litres of water. Drove it back to Plymouth from Bodmin and water light started flashing again, it then needed another litre of water as light started flashing again...

The garage says i need a new gasket, shave off!

Help? Please, have no idea what to do except start with the forum. Would anyone be willing to help out please?

Ali

[itchyfeet]

What engine type?
Lots of places these vans can leak coolant as the coling system runs from front to back
Definately worth getting a second opinion

[randiandipandi]

Phil Miller used to be in Tavistock, now Launceston I think. VW specialist but understands T25 engines. I will be using him next year for my engine work, nothing but good reviews have reached my ears.

[randiandipandi]

If it is a leak then Wynnes radiator stop leak stuff works a treat (as a short term fix). Search some posts or the wiki for exact name and why it has to be Wynnes not anything else.

[itchyfeet]

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=37&t=125853" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[clift_d]

You could also try Coast VW in South Molton.

http://www.coastvw-volkswagenrestoration.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[ladyeleanor]

Thanks all, it's a 1.6TD and is still pulling like a trooper. Would I loose power with a knacked HG or have any symptoms apart from losing water?

The garage that did the pressure testing did drain system down and fill with 15 litres of anti freeze so... could it just be settling and that's why it needs topping up or am I just being thick?

I will start making contact with those mentioned but wanted to try and eliminate a few blonde issues before I make the phone calls. Plus, I didn't know if anyone local to Plymouth would fancy looking at it for dosh your way.

Thanks again, Ali

[itchyfeet]

Yes could just be air in the system if it wasn't bled properly that's quite common
Keep an eye on it and see, if you need regular top ups its a leak or possibly gaskets

Any reputable garage will be able to test the coolant for combustion gasses to prove if there is a head gasket problem but you would usually expect some other symptoms such as pressurising of the coolant system

[ladyeleanor]

Thanks all, Phil Miller is coming to see it Friday. Fingers crossed it's just air.
Ali

[itchyfeet]

Thanks all, Phil Miller is coming to see it Friday. Fingers crossed it's just air.
Ali

At the least you probably have a small leak as the level must have dropped over the first four weeks

[browneyes1311]

I was going to suggest Phil Miler he is very good reasonable and knowledgable.

When you see him can you remind him to call me re stripping down , he keeps forgetting as hes so busy fixing things lol

[racebiz]

Just for info for anybody who may be unfortunate enough to have a head gasket failure.... before stripping down it may be worth trying some http://www.steelseal.co.uk/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; .

A chap I work with had a head gasket go on his Nissan X-Trail and was quoted £6-£800 for repair but one of the garages suggested trying 'steelseal' first - he did and it worked. That was 6 weeks ago and he has not had a problem since and it was cured for £25

[browneyes1311]

Are you sorted now? I found Phil very good