Author Topic: minor leaking at new head gasket? (Read 2663 times)

towns · « **on:** January 22, 2006, 05:37:14 pm »

I just started my 1.6TD after doing rings, head and head gasket. As it was warming up, I noticed some leaking at the head gasket in the front middle. Since then I have tighted 1/4 turn with the engine warm as the bently describes. I will start it again soon and see if it still leaks. Is it normal for some leaking before the warm 1/4 turn?

towns · « **Reply #1 on:** January 22, 2006, 07:21:54 pm »

the head was rebuilt, planed and everything, by a reputable shop

dieselweasel · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2006, 09:41:40 pm »

Start her up again and see if the 1/4 turn fixed it...that's a lot of extra torque.

tylernt · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2006, 09:43:01 pm »

Did you use new bolts and coat the head bolt threads with anti-seize compound?

Dr. Diesel · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2006, 10:14:34 pm »

are you sure it's not leaking past a coolant flange o-ring, drooling down onto the head gasket and imitating a gasket leak? get a bright light and look carefully!

towns · « **Reply #5 on:** January 23, 2006, 01:18:13 pm »

Yes I used new head bolts. Dr. Diesel is correct. The coolant flange had always leaked a bit, even after a new gasket it still leaks, so I will have to replace that. Also, The valve cover gasket was leaking which made it look like there was oil at the head gasket. Other than those two minor issues, the car runs great

. Thanks everyone for the help!

dieseldan · « **Reply #6 on:** January 24, 2006, 06:21:52 pm »

Often these flanges will warp from being overtightened. After removing, place the flange against a flat object and see if any light shows through. If so, you should be able to mill or file it flat again. Just use the largest flat file you have. The high spots are usually around the bolt holes.
Daniel