Breathing/leaking mls headgasket?

[kevinm]

I have finally got around to proving out this freshly rebuilt motor...  I have around 50km’s on this motor and am starting to poke around and look for leaks.  I have noticed on the underside of the mls headgasket, the small amount that sticks out from the block/head, a little bit of what looks like oil.  There is no dripping, just what looks like a little oil discolouration.  I did however notice one oil drip on the far side..  I have arp studs torqued to 110ft.lbs... the head and block mating surfaces were totally flat and machined... should I re-torqued the head studs? The black arrows and circle is where im noticing this... And im also wondering where the oil could be coming from in the red circle.. turbo?  probably..

[libbydiesel]

You should have special extra-thick washers between the nuts and the exhaust manifold.  Without them present you will very likely be plagued by a self-loosening manifold. 

[theman53]

If the finish of the head was too coarse you can have these problems for the life of that finish. I want to say it is something silly like 10rms or less for MLS, whatever it is it needs to be smooth. If it bothers you I don't see any harm in gently checking each stud at your 110 torque.

[wolf_walker]

Every one of these SOB's I've ever looked at has been weeping oil from the headgasket mating point.  I've decided it's a feature.
My current 140K 1.9L is doing the same thing and the head's never been off, and a number of the later TDI's I've seen have shown evidence of it as well. 
Last head job I did I used a MLS with the copper spray stuff, it's made it to 35K and is only weeping a small amount so far.

[shwak23]

You should have special extra-thick washers between the nuts and the exhaust manifold.  Without them present you will very likely be plagued by a self-loosening manifold. 

Where does one get these special washers?

Sent from my DROID X2

[libbydiesel]

Part # N90095501.  Some parts places have them or the dealer.

[rodpaslow]

I saw this and was looking at the back of my block 1.6 (1992 TD) and the mls gasket does not stick out from the back of block like shown in this picture.  Is there a difference between earlier blocks or the 1.9? Mine is flush with the edge of the block once stuck on the pegs that are at the back of the block.

[R.O.R-2.0]

I saw this and was looking at the back of my block 1.6 (1992 TD) and the mls gasket does not stick out from the back of block like shown in this picture.  Is there a difference between earlier blocks or the 1.9? Mine is flush with the edge of the block once stuck on the pegs that are at the back of the block.

probably just variations in the gasket.. ive seen some gaskets that protrude a bit more than others. the MLS gasket for my ABF follows the block. it doesnt hang out like that..

same with the MLS diesel gasket..

but, both my gaskets are Victor/Reinz..

[rodpaslow]

Yeah, mine were the same - Victor/Reinz.  I haven't seen any like that, that stick out.  Good to know if Victor ever stops making these.

[rallydiesel]

My mls gasket also wept despite a machined deck and head. As was mentioned already, it must be very smooth. Otherwise I would just leave it. Another option is to use headgasket sealant. I believe Dave at Passenger used it successfully in his frankenbuild.

[GTiTDi]

I saw this and was looking at the back of my block 1.6 (1992 TD) and the mls gasket does not stick out from the back of block like shown in this picture.  Is there a difference between earlier blocks or the 1.9? Mine is flush with the edge of the block once stuck on the pegs that are at the back of the block.

  my ABF follows the block.

You have an ABF? A real one or an ABA 16V conversion? details!

[kevinm]

maybe my head gasket is offset to the back...  If so the forward most part of my piston could be making contact with the headgasket?  maybe i should take a look before i put anymore miles on this motor? thanks guys.lol

[R.O.R-2.0]

I saw this and was looking at the back of my block 1.6 (1992 TD) and the mls gasket does not stick out from the back of block like shown in this picture.  Is there a difference between earlier blocks or the 1.9? Mine is flush with the edge of the block once stuck on the pegs that are at the back of the block.

  my ABF follows the block.

You have an ABF? A real one or an ABA 16V conversion? details!

no, i dont have a REAL ABF, i wish, but its just a low compression 16v ABA.. its sitting in my bedroom, on the engine stand, waiting to go in my 86 GTI.. im gonna run it on the stock CIS-Lambda thats in the car now (car runs amazing, fuel system works great) for a while, until i get the cash/need to run megasquirt.. need to find a 16v turbo manifold, and a proper sized turbo..

either that, or im getting some high compression slugs for it, some cams, and gonna throw my 45mm webers on it! i think the webers would be the coolest setup, in terms of eye candy..