head gasket failure
- Thread starter cypher007
- Start date
I'm not aware of any having a tendency for head gasket issues, all being quite strong engines.
That opens the question of what causes HG failures. Usually poor servicing leading to coolant issues, leading to overheating and bang the gasket is gone.
Next would be over-stressing the engine in the goal of higher performance.
I've then heard of stories of additives clogging oil and water ways leading to over-heating... Water pumps failing...
That opens the question of what causes HG failures. Usually poor servicing leading to coolant issues, leading to overheating and bang the gasket is gone.
Next would be over-stressing the engine in the goal of higher performance.
I've then heard of stories of additives clogging oil and water ways leading to over-heating... Water pumps failing...
As said above I haven’t heard much ‘Internet Chatter’ of head gaskets failing often on the older 1.9s. I guess they can fail at higher mileages or if the car has been abused over its life.
I’ve run a 03 TDI 110 Leon for 11 years with very few problems. It did start using water after the thermostat was replaced, on the advice of a tame mechanic we tried some coolant seal. 4 years later it’s still chugging along and not using water.
The main problem I had was turbo over boost when it was used mainly for short runs. Last 3 years I’ve done a 70 mile motorway commute and the car is running a lot better.
The old TDI 110 is a very strong unit and would be a decent buy if you find one in good condition. I would certainly consider getting another one if I need to replace mind. But I’d also look around for a 130 PD which is generally viewed as a more reliable option over the 150 PD. Trouble is they didn’t do many 130 PD in either the Leon or Toledo.
I’ve run a 03 TDI 110 Leon for 11 years with very few problems. It did start using water after the thermostat was replaced, on the advice of a tame mechanic we tried some coolant seal. 4 years later it’s still chugging along and not using water.
The main problem I had was turbo over boost when it was used mainly for short runs. Last 3 years I’ve done a 70 mile motorway commute and the car is running a lot better.
The old TDI 110 is a very strong unit and would be a decent buy if you find one in good condition. I would certainly consider getting another one if I need to replace mind. But I’d also look around for a 130 PD which is generally viewed as a more reliable option over the 150 PD. Trouble is they didn’t do many 130 PD in either the Leon or Toledo.
You’re welcome, sorry don’t remember what he said it was. I just gave him a tenner and he put it in the header tank. It certainly wasn’t one of the well known brands since I didn’t recognise it. Took it back to him after he replaced the thermostat and temperature sensor, it was putting on the low coolant light after a couple of weeks.
I have previously used Bars Leaks with good results and would have happily tried that myself before paying for a pressure test of the coolant system.
66k miles is rather low for a 12 year old car. I know from firsthand experience the VNT turbos like be given decent runs over 30 minutes to get them hot enough to burn the soot off the control vanes. Otherwise you start getting limp mode problems.
Also would be worth checking if the suspension bushes have been replaced yet, since they’ll be due around that age. Mine needed a front end rebuild at 10 years / 70k. Sometimes it can be better buying a car with more average mileage that’s had the common wear/age related work already done.
our Toledo TDI is the offending article. its done 112k and weve already done the shocks all round and front bushes. so Its a bit of a kicker to have too sell it spares or repair.
the reason I ask is my Leon, the same age and 108k when I bought it, had a head issue as it would use water on long journeys. same engine code also. this is why I wondered if head gaskets on ASV engines are now failing due to age or mileage or maybe a bad batch.
the reason I ask is my Leon, the same age and 108k when I bought it, had a head issue as it would use water on long journeys. same engine code also. this is why I wondered if head gaskets on ASV engines are now failing due to age or mileage or maybe a bad batch.
Think it's just coincidence.
I have a Leon 110 (ALH) that had the HG go at 130k miles, refitted a new one. It's not a hard job but a pain getting all off to get to it.
I also have the PD130 (ASZ) and as it just celebrates 160k miles I quickly touch wood and hope I'm not jinxing myself but all good so far and that's with a upping the turbo and remapping.
Both have had so much replaced so I know should see me well for another few years hopefully.
Both strong and reliable. Think I may sell the 110 off soon, it doesn't get much use these days.
I have a Leon 110 (ALH) that had the HG go at 130k miles, refitted a new one. It's not a hard job but a pain getting all off to get to it.
I also have the PD130 (ASZ) and as it just celebrates 160k miles I quickly touch wood and hope I'm not jinxing myself but all good so far and that's with a upping the turbo and remapping.
Both have had so much replaced so I know should see me well for another few years hopefully.
Both strong and reliable. Think I may sell the 110 off soon, it doesn't get much use these days.
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