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Think my Head Gasket is in bits? How much to repair?

  • 19-10-2011 12:41pm
    #1
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭✭✭✭


    I've stopped driving my car lately as it has been overheating far too often. Generally I would top it up from time to time with engine coolant and it would be fine. However, recently the temp gauge has shot up and warning lights have come on. I've asked 1 or 2 people and the reply is usually that my head gasket is f**ked. Does this sound about right? What general area would I be looking at price wise?

    Its a 2001 Audi A3, 1.6 petrol if that makes a difference.

    Also, would appreciate if anyone could recommend a decent place around Blanchardstown that could take care of it. Thank you for any feedback.


Comments

  • #2
    spiggotpaddy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 843 ✭✭✭spiggotpaddy


    it could be lots of things other than the hg. you'll have to find out whats wrong before you can fix it. it could be a leaking hose,radiator, water pump or faulty stat.
    check the underside of the oil filler cap for a milky mayo substance, which could indicate a headgasket prob.
    check inside the expansion bottle for any oily residue.


  • #3
    voxpop
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,798 ✭✭✭voxpop


    As above, it could be many things. For example, does it only overheat in traffic but is fine on the motorway - if so it could be a faulty fan. It could be a broken water pump - so the coolant isnt being moved around the engine and so cant get cooled.

    Unless you have specific symptoms that point towards a HG, it would be the last thing I would be repairing for an overheating issue (as its the most expensive).


  • #4
    Mar4ix
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,359 ✭✭✭Mar4ix


    regular symptoms for faulty headgasket is ...
    1.big and heavy smoke from exhaust.
    2.when check oil level, it is far too high.
    3. engine oil filling cap is white, and on the end of dipstick, there similar to white mayo substance.
    4. coolant looks like brown mayo.
    5. less likely, but possible - little coolant leak in to burning chamber, ... may notice, when start engine, it idling irregular, and bit smoke goin from exhaust.

    I think your thermostat needs to be checked, and possibly heater matrix blocked off... (what happen to my car recently(non vag)).


  • #5
    Nissan doctor
    Closed Accounts Posts: 8,223 ✭✭✭Nissan doctor


    Any decent garage should be able to do a couple of simple tests to tell you for sure if the head gasket is gone and if not, where the problem is.


  • #6
    couldntthink
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 295 ✭✭couldntthink


    You'll get a better answer from a proper garage who can look at the car in the flesh rather than on an internet site. Don't panic just yet. First thing that would spring to mind for any VAG car with a leak and overheating would be the waterpump, but hard to say without seeing it. As stated previously, bring it to a good mechanic, he'll be able to diagnose it.


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