oil leak question - around head gasket!

[derekp]

I pressure washed my engine (92 eco diesel - 175k miles) this weekend hoping to clean enough mess off to locate my oil leak that started about 2 months ago (and is getting progressively worse)

It appears that the oil is leaking out from the head gasket on the front side of the engine between #4 and #3 cyls.
I've never had a head off a vw before, and I find it odd that oil is leaking out there but compression is ok and I dont have any antifreeze leakage.

I can see where its leaking cause within minutes of starting the engine after washing, to dry it out, oil seeped immediatly from the spot mentioned.

(Strangely, my sons 95 2L gas car is leaking in the same place - along the head gasket edge)

Is this a problem area in VW's?

I need to put off the head gasket for a few weeks if I can - anyone got any cure-in-a-bottle that might slow this leak down? I use 15-40 rotella-t already. (though I hate to say it, the leakage seemed to start shortly after I changed out synthetic that I used across the winter)
I've only had the car for a year, so I dont know cars history.

Also - where are the "notches" located that I need to order the proper gasket with?

thanks!

[derekp]

Ok, to further this issue, I've resigned myself to doing a head gasket.
I'd like to know if anyone has insight as to how to do such a job without having to retime the injection pump.
hints on how to lock the pump, crank, and cam in their places so they can be put back the same way?
thanks

[DCC]

Get a Bentley manual and the proper tools first. 

Without removing and readjusting the IP you'll need the camshaft locking plate and the IP lock pin (like the ones showed here: http://vwdieseltools.com/ ).

Here you have tons of useful info:
http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=16687.0

A simple, correct procedure (everyone has his own personalized technique) is to loosen some head stuff (timing belt, water hoses and cables, downpipe and turbo oil drain), and take the head with turbo and manifolds as a single unit.

Replace headgasket, clean head and piston surface, inspection, and mount again. Install studs (if you wish to play with boost and fuelling) or get some new head bolts.

Then do a proper timing (Vince's wonderful page):
http://vincewaldon.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=28
(Ignore the pump dial thing if you don't wish to adjust it, but I'd consider getting the dial, it's worthy)

[arb]

Since you don't know the history, I would absolutely replace the timing belt and tensioner - this engine will break metal if the belt jumps or breaks. This will require re-timing the IP, but the IP stays on the engine when you change the HG.

-ps - its leaking there because the oil supply to the head is just behind that. It has a rubber oval o-ring to seal it, but it sounds like its rather old.

[DCC]

Since you don't know the history, I would absolutely replace the timing belt and tensioner - this engine will break metal if the belt jumps or breaks.

I agree with that at 200%.. 

I didn't do and broke the camshaft...

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

Since you don't know the history, I would absolutely replace the timing belt and tensioner - this engine will break metal if the belt jumps or breaks.

I agree with that at 200%.. 

I didn't do and broke the camshaft...

Can you describe what the belt looks like before and after it broke? Did the belt snap or did you loose some belt tooths?  Btw the head gasket on mine is leaking oil where the head gasket protrudes (where the notches are). It's a seepage and not gushing out for now.

[DCC]

Can you describe what the belt looks like before and after it broke? Did the belt snap or did you loose some belt tooths?  Btw the head gasket on mine is leaking oil where the head gasket protrudes (where the notches are). It's a seepage and not gushing out for now.

The intermediate shaft that moves the oil pump was toast, and I didn't check it (when I got the car, I knew nothing about its past life). If I had changed the t-belt (as a precaution), I'd have seen it in the check before doing the timing. The pulley started wobbling (along with the belt) and finally jumped off.. the belt was half its normal width, as it had deteriorated chewing on the timing belt cover

http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=12706.0

[92EcoDiesel Jetta]

I have no history on my car either and it shows 178k on the ODO. I wonder if it has the original belt? Judging by how poorly this car's been maintained I wonder!.I have not done the timing belt but have the parts. Waiting for a water pump to come in. I've put about 2k miles on it since I picked it up. I've inspected it (tension ok, no signs of fraying or grease) and been watching it very carefully. I've put a clear Lexan window in the timing belt cover so I can see it without pulling the cover and I look at it often. I should be doing the belt in a few days hopefully.

[derekp]

thanks all for the feedback
Did the headgasket and did new timing belt along with leaking cam/idler shaft seals.
Car is back running again with me waiting for its next surprises

Vince Waldons help pages were great for the timing how-to!
(I had previously purchased cam lock and dial indicator in anticipation of a timing belt job)

Did the water pump and housing when head was off too - apparently its o-ring was leaking as well.

If I'd had brains and forsight I'd have drilled for an EGT when I had the head off.

Oh well...