AAZ - Losing coolant when cold

[ricosuave]

Hi all,

Another problem with the 97 Jetta IDI

I was down about 0.25-0.5L of coolant in the reservoir.  So, I topped it back up and went about my way.

Engine running at normal temps, no other obvious problems...

When the engine is warm, the surface below #3 injector (and where the front coolant flange mounts) is dry.

When the engine is cold, there is a small dribbling of coolant that shows up there, and drips down.

99.99% sure that is isn't the front flange, appears to be coming right from the point of where the head and block meet.

Dumb question time, but can the head be 'tightened down' or am I looking at a new head gasket?  Or could it be something else that I am overlooking?

Thanks for all your help, I can take pics and post them if necessary.
rico

[Black Smokin' Diesel]

You could try to tighten the head and see what it does. If it works, good! If not, you may need to replace the headgasket and have the head checked for straightness.

I'd make 100% sure it's not the flange before attempting anything.

[ricosuave]

thanls for the response, yes i am almost certain its not the front flange, and it was replaced and faces cleaned, etc not long ago...

anyone know the head bolt sizes?  (i dont have my bentley handy)

[vanagonturbo]

12mm 12point.

[ricosuave]

oh, and the torque and sequence?

thanks again

[vanagonturbo]

40Nm-60Nm then two 90 degree turns. I know this is for a Saab but its the same sequence.

http://www.thesaabsite.com/Saab-900-93-4-cylinder-torque-sequence.htm

[ricosuave]

I'd make 100% sure it's not the flange before attempting anything.

LOL turns out it WAS the flange, the same one that we replaced when it leaked 6 months ago...

thanks for the help though...