Former VWDieselParts.com Forum

So... When I change my head gasket what will guarantee (OK, not really possible) that my head gasket will last 100K miles and not leak instead of lasting 10K miles?

I already use a 12mm block so no block cracks from torquing properly (knock on wood).
I had the block and head rebuilt - they should have checked for warpage and any issues corrected.
I used ARP head studs torqued per ARP directions to 90 ft lbs.
I didn't use any gasket sprays/sealers/etc

Maybe driving these engines relatively hard (70 mph on the interstate, with the FN - 020 5-speed transmission, is just too much for the engine design?

Could timing too far advanced contribute to head gasket failure? (To much pressure in the chamber from explosion occurring while piston rising)

I can't remember. Is this a turbo?
70 mph isn't too much for these.

90 is a good number for ARP head studs. Some people over tighten them.

I had problems with was the MK2 Golf. I saw some antifreeze coming up around a stud.
I don't drive that one much. I retorqued it but haven't rechecked it. I think copper spray would have kept that from happening.

I tried a used head gasket one time. Hadn't been on long, can't remember why I had to pull the head off again right away.
It leaked the second time around, ha.
I remember that job. It was getting dark.The cat walked into the shed, then left.
Shortly thereafter I went to pick up my hammer off the floor. It was warm and smooshy.
The cat had crapped right on my hammer handle.

Fatmobile wrote: The cat had crapped right on my hammer handle.

Maybe the cat had a message for you.

Reviving an old thread with new questions:

1.) when it comes to head gaskets, which brand(s) is best?

I see some differences in the silicone bead approach, and I remember a while back helping out a friend who was struggling with a Chinese gasket leaking coolant at the front when torqued.

2.) Maybe a dumb question, but is the gasket different between 11mm and 12mm headbolts?

3.) Are all 1.6 diesel that are equipped with hydraulic heads (having bump-out in front) the 12mm version (assuming someone didn't swap parts around)?

I am going to have to dive into mine, as it is pushing coolant out of the bottle now.

Thanks.

Is there a steady stream coming through the small line going into the reservoir?
Lack of flow through that line can indicate a plug and trapped air in the block.

I think there is an 11mm gasket and a 12mm not sure though.
All hydro blocks were 12mm so I think the head gaskets are.

I've been coating the head gasket with hylomar,... with good luck.
I'm not sure which gasket is best.

There is a metal head gasket for the 1.9,.. that works on the hydro 1.6,.. that might be the best gasket.

the vent line was the first thing I checked, and it was still flowing. Mine has a pretty serious issue , it is pushing coolant out as soon as the engine is started, and engine is misfiring. I suspect the head gasket is shot thus the questions about which one(s) is/are best.

Yeah but if the head gasket has a breach into the coolant department,
it will push air into the coolant and it will appear in the small line going into the reservoir.

It overflows with the cap on the reservoir,.. or with the cap off?

Not sure why it would be missing?

I've had good luck with all the head gaskets.
Elring, victor or felpro.
Even before I started using copper spray or hylomar.
Don't get felpro exhaust gaskets,.. cardboard crap.

I assume the misfire is due to compression loss, since a large amount of pressure is being sent to the coolant reservoir as soon as the engine is started - way too much and too fast to be due to thermal expansion. I haven't opened it up yet, I need to pick up a compression tester adapter before I open it up...

Which exhaust gaskets were you referring to? I assume between head and manifold? Who makes good ones, and what are they like? I recall some gasket material (like that typical perforated composition stuff) worked fine on say a 440 Chrysler, but other engines like a FE Ford would typically fail that gasket material and needed a different material (embossed steel shim gasket) to live. Fel-Pro sells both styles for a FE, but the good ones are more expensive and harder to find.

Exhaust gaskets between the head and the exhaust manifold.
NAPA has good ones. Pretty much all metal, like you said.
O'rielly sells the crap felpro cardboard and screen ones. Maybe Felpro makes a good one too, for more money.